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Crete, Neb., Oct. 24th, 1884. Dear brother John: I am so rejoiced at the thoughts of seeing you soon, although I was afraid
you would be beginning to think otherwise, I have been so long in answering your letter. But can't Louie and Wanda come with
you? You did not say anything about any of the folks in your last letter, and we are always so glad to hear of you all, and
the Doctor and Mrs. S trentzel too, especially since we were with you and got acquainted. You did not realize, did you, that
poor D avid Galloway was so near his end when you heard of his death. Poor dear Sarah, how lonely she will feel, and how glad
she will be to see you. I often wish I could be near her lately. John had a letter from Brother David this week. He said that
Sarah is pretty well, but not very strong, and that Mother was real well. But Katie has been failing much faster lately. She
cannot use her right arm now. He has to dress and undress her, etc. She can step about the house and yard for a few minutes
at a time. She suffers terribly sometimes, and they have to use morphine and such things. How hard it must be for her and
David and all their family. Father has had quite a sick time too, but is better. It was quite hard for Annie and Joanna to
take care of him, and Annie was not feeling quite so well when she last wrote. I told her what you thought of her coming,
or rather that it would be better for her to winter with you than either in K ansas CPity or Neb., but she must have made
up her mind, as she did not say anything about it in her letter. John and I were down to Lincoln to see Dan's folks last week.
They are all pretty well. The children have been having the whooping cough, but are almost well. Dan has about all he can
do. My arm is getting stronger, although pretty stiff, and painful at times. Dan thinks it will be all right in time, but
thinks neuralgia will trouble me for this winter. Jessie is teaching. John is quite busy fixing yards for sheep. They expect
to feed six thousand this coming winter, two thousand have arrived. John is looking forward to having a good talk with you
about everything when you come. When may we expect you? Write soon and tell us all about it. Give Wanda a good kiss for Aunt
Maggie, and remember me to Dictor and Mrs. Strentzel. And now, with much love to Louie, Wanda, and yourself, I am, as ever,
Affectionately, Maggie R. Margaret Muir Reid