Transcription:
(4) All Mr Hands family have moved to Phillips his father is postmaster there, and he had a brother about 30 years of age
died there about a month ago he was brought to Portage to be buried. There has been a great deal of sickness both there and
here and a good many deaths A short time ago I attended Mrs Reids funeral she told Andrew to send for all the boys, but Charlie
was the only one that got there in time before she died, but all the seven were there to see her laid away beside her husband
illegible we had a visit with John we were glad to see him again he has always been a good kind friend to me they have had
a more severe winter in Nebraska than they were prepared for May the blessing that maketh? rich and addeth no sorrow ever
be yours Affectionately Mother 1 Portage 6th April 1881 Dear John I have been much longer in writing to you than
I should have been, but I hope this will find you and your wife quite well Annie wished to spend the winter at Phillips, and
as Sarah was anxious that I should shut up my house and spend the winter with her, I did so, and stayed with her for twelve
weeks and I have only been home about a week and Anna has not yet returned home, but I expect her soon Annie G. came home
with me and gave me what assistance I required and this week she is -