Transcription:
Portage City, Feb. 23 rd 1873 My dear brother John, it is a long time since I received a letter from you. and I am wearing
very much for one I am ashamed of not having wrote to you before this. I have had much to take up my time and attention this
hot summer and fall we have had an uper story made to the house we are living in, besides other alterations down stairs -
and trying to live in it while it was being done made me so nervous I have not got over it yet. and it is so long since I
wrote a letter I have almost forgotten the way. O John I do long to see you but I am so glad to hear of your good health and
happiness and fame. how pleasant it would be to have a real good talk face to face and hear you tell of the wonder