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2 He is now pretty well but is still encumbered by a crutch and a cane. I cannot become accustomed to see father thus crippled
and I think he at last begins to realize that he is growing old. He seems very happy to have me here and is suited with everything
I do thus far, but he is just the same man he has ever been and by this you know just what I mean. I must now inform you on
another subject I am engaged to be married to a man in Phillips and may perhaps give up my good Scotch name in the fall? .
Mr Brown, for that is his name, had just come down to Portage to visit when 3 00931 I received the letter from father
and so insisted on accompanying me here, as he feared? the long trip and then the care of father, if he were very sick, would
be to much for me alone and so before his return we went to Niagara Falls where we spent part of a day very pleasantly and
profitably. I shall not here attempt my description, but I will say that I could not help wishing that I could have seem them
years ago before man had so utterly spoiled the surroundings. Have you ever visited them? I believe however that I have not
finished the subject with which I started out, 5 00931 mind may be changed and that he may feel differently toward us
all. I would not be unwilling to stay some time with father, but in all probability he may be very many years in this world
yet and I could not stay always. Please write me very soon and tell me if you can arrange your affairs to be with us, with
your wife, about the beginning of September, There is a good deal of satisfaction in playing tit for tat and so I might perhaps
not have told you for a long time yet about my own affairs but was so anxious to have you come that I had to give you time
to make your arrangements accordingly. Father received your letter and seemed pleased to hear from you. Much love to yourself
and your wife Joanna.