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01196 2 a great change in him for the better. I have tried to get him to come all the way with us now that he has at length
cast loose but fear I shall not succeed. He intends returning from Crete Lincoln to this place to take Mary back to Portage
as Willis left her here to attend to his Wis busienss. I expect to be in Martinez about the 6th or 7th by way of the Topeka
illegible to Santa Fe Southern service? . I was only one a half days in Chicago but I saw most of the fruit dealers, Portec
Bros, Hicksea Justi Co etc. had long talks with them to but little purpose I fear. My other friends I had no time to see though
I should 3 have enjoyed a week very much. Father is very feeble helpless, within the last month or two has failed
very much. is often for a few moments in a kind of bewildered stupor out of which he awakens with a start is conscious in
a bright keen way for a few moments or so again looses the power of attention. He is very much emaciated also as he eats but
little I fear the end is very near He does not know me I am very sorry. He looks at me takes my hand says is this my dear
John then sinks away on the pillow without