4 Jan 7th 1866 Dear John I thought that as Joanna was writing I might as well write a note to you but I intend to write
a long letter to you before long. I like going to school very well. Mary and I are studying reading writing spelling Arithmetic
grammer Algebra philosophy I never studied algebra before but I like it very well so far we have got almost to fractions,
Perhaps you will be tickled to hear that your old friend George Mair is married to a widow with two children her name was
Mrs Purvace they have gone to live in his father's old log house. very fine prospect of happiness. You will be sorry no doubt
to hear that Putherer's shanty has fallen down and been drawn away. Jimmy Grahm has bought one of David Topsons? log houses
and put it up some where on the same farm but I do not think it is in the same. But I must now close by hoping that that long
letter that you talked of will make its apearence before long. Anna 00364 1 Hickory hill Jan 7th /66 Dear brother
John I thought a letter from home might interest you for a few minutes and with this intention I will try to write a few
lines to you We received your letter and was exceedingly pleased to hear from you once more I did not envy your condition
on a certain night in the pond I am sorry you have so much to do every day but I hope you will soon see more pleasant times
and we will be delighted beyond measure to see you home again You say you do not like to have Hickory Hill sold but you need
not bother yourself much for we have not much prospect of having it sold for father did not agree with the man that thought
of buying it We like better to stay here this winter than we did before as all of us girls are going to school together once
more and though it is pretty cold walking so far some 591