Transcription:
1861 Prairie du Chin Jan 21, 1861 Dear Friend John, We were truly glad to hear from you at last I was, and giving expression
to my own feelings, I am sure I expressed the sentiments of the rest of the family - that is Mr and Mrs Pelton, and Emily,
not forgetting Fannie and so she (Fannie) would get a illegible ible kissing if you could get hold of her. O John John - that
you the inflexible one should allow so foolish a thought to enter your head. While I admire your frankness in acknowledging
your illegible I regret that you cannot give me a practice demonstration