00826 4 Mother and the rest of the family are as well as usual and are are passing the winter pretty comfortably We had
our usual Christmas gathering and all look forward underlined: hopefully to the next as the time for a underlined: complete
family underlined: reunion We do sincerely hope that this may take place as after that time some may very likely scatter out
to Neb. and then it will be almost impossible for underlined: all to gather in. I trust you are again comfortably located
for the winter. I am knitting socks for you which I will soon send and I take great pleasure in my work as I remember who
is to wear them This work just suits me as it does not require much looking at. 1 in margin: Mother rec d your letter
and will soon write She and Annie send love as does also your Sister Joanna Portage Jan. 17. 1879. My dear tanned rich
brother John: Your three Scribner letters were read with deepest interest and appreciation, I liked all exceedingly but
the Wind Storm seemed like poetry or music from beginning to end and vibrated and tingled through my being, while I tried
to see the grand old pine trees waving