4 too pupils of both sexes. Hoping that you will excuse my past neglect promising you to do so no more I remain yours most
cordially J M Sterling 930 00460 1 Oct 12, 1868 Madison Wis Oct. 12/68 Dear Friend I am very much mor- tified
that I should have neg- lected to answer your letter. In the great amount of correspondence I have to attend to your letter
got mislaid and was forgotten. I can hardly feel that this is a sufficient justification. My duties are almost overwhelming
I have this term seven illegible teaching a day besides my other numerous duties: Besides I have had considerable sickness
in my family. Mrs Sterling has been sick for some time - very dangerously so - but is now getting better and I trust will
be about in a short time. The children are well. They don't forget you