Transcription:
4 my back feels stronger and the weather has been much more endurable, but such a day as this makes us squirm. I am glad
every day that you are so happy, I shall expect a description of you rustication and am anxious to know how you are now employed.
I suppose you have not been tempted to commence attending school again I suppose you underlined: would rather like to graduate.
Mr Hall wished you woud and thought you ought to. David is going down to Milwaukee to attend the state fair, starts tonight
and perhaps well see Dan. I have had another letter from John he deleted: is was just starting for the Mts again. Your own
Joanna 1 15 in margin: I trust you will not be long in writing. My love to Mrs Smalley. in margin: I have just learned
that Maggie too subscribed for the Polar and tropical world, so for pitties sake dispose of yours if you can. Portage, Sep.
8. 1874. Dearest Sister Have I been very long in acknowledging your kind letter and carefully prepared patterns? Yes to
be sure I have best. my dress is made has been worn and is the admiration of the whole city and country all of course because
you sent the pattern so accept my thanks for the favor, for although it (the pattern) seemed long in coming and it is not
pleasant to lie in bed for lack of something to wear, yet every thought of vexation vanished at