Transcription:
Crete, Neb., July 4, 1885. My dear brother John: Have you not found a man you can make a foreman of yet? I hope you will
be able to tell us very soon that you have, and that you can start on such a day. Tell Wanda that I received her picture
and thank her for it, and was glad to get it, if it is a poor picture. But am sorry you did not happen to get a good one.
It does not begin to do her justice. I hope that this will find you all well. I am glad that Mrs. Strentzel is able to get
about again a little, and hope that she will soon regain her health. Remember me to her. We are all about usually well. This
is the evening of the glorious fourth and I am alone. John and the children have gone to enjoy the fireworks -- there is to
be quite a display. The Nebraska Sunday School Assembly is meeting here in Crete at present. It is to last ten days. It is
conducted on the Chatauqua plan, most of those who attend camp out on the Assembly grounds, which are nicely laid out on the
Blue River. This is the fourth annual session, and it is expected that it is permanently located here in Crete. It is quite
a privilege to listen to so many good and some very talented speakers, but I am too nervous to enjoy very much of it, but
I am glad that John and the children can. I expect that you have heard that Sister Annie has got home to Wis. Sarah writes
me that she is looking better than they expected to see her. John saw her lately, before she started and thinks she looks
better than when she left here more than a year ago. John has invested some of Sarah's money for her in cheap land in Kansas.
The sheep business turned out badly. Our folks lost money, but have made up their minds to try again. Foster has been off
in Oregon buying more, and they are being driven here. And now with love to all, Louie, Wanda, and yourself, I am as ever,
Affectionately, Maggie R. Margaret Muir Reid P.S. Is it Tippy's head that is looking out from under Wanda's arm in her
picture?