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Trouts Hollow CW, Dec 2 '1865 Dear Sisters Mary, Anna, Joanna - I feel that I owe you a long apology for not replying
to your long good letters. I have been exceedingly busy, but this is not a sufficient excuse. My bed sets me upon my feet
at five, and I go to bed at eleven, and have to do at least two days work every day, sometimes three. I sometimes almost forget
where I am. What I am doing, or what my name is, I often think of you and wish with all my might that I could see and chat
with you, were it not that I have no time to think, I would grow homesick die in a day or two, my picture of home is in my
room, and when I see it now I feel sorry at the thought of it being sold, Fountain Lake, Oak Grove, Little Valley, Hickory
Hill etc, with all of their long list of associations, pleasandt otherwise, will soon have passed away and be forgotten. I
was glad to hear that Dan was visiting so long with you. I suppose that he told you many a surprising and funny tale of Canada,
I think that he can make enjoy a joke very well indeed I had a letter from him, he says that he has plenty of money, clothes,
hope for the future I will write you all a long letter someday