Transcription:
Martinez, California Oct. 15, 1897 My dear Cousin I should have written you before. but I was away in the Rocky Mountains
Alaska. I hurried back earlier than usual it was well I did so far our loved Mother Strentzel was very sick, about two weeks
after my return she died at the age of 76. How small our little family now seems you will know. I am much surprised to hear
of the sudden death of Mr Dick. How different from that of my motherinlaw, who was an invalid more than 40 years. My Sister
Mary is now with us. She has been here more than three months on a visit but is now about to start for her home in Nebraska.
Maggie is quite poorly at times but is not now worse than 02349