Transcription:
Anna was here till three weeks ago. She then went to Superior. Her last letter describes her evening reading of your delectable
mountains to her brothers. you know my outlooks--south through the Av. to the noble dome, north across the nobler lake, and
East upon the G? ilas grove. Inside I am always mixing new books and old, each exalting each. The legislature voted 180,000
to build a fire-proof for our Lib. etc.--on ground freely given--just north of the stone house (De Forest's) at the foot of
University hill. All for us--not for the Univ. I have not only preached several times, but have lectured in the University--the
last flare up of the candle. What I most thank God for is ability to read or write all my waking hours--and friends on every
side who make Madison as sweet to my soul as in its first verdure it is restful to the eye. The grace of Heaven. Before,
behind us, and on either hand, enwheel us round Regardfully. James D. Butler