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Madison, Wis., Oct. 13th, 1860. Mr. John Muir, Esq., Prairie DuChien, Dear Sir: I received your favor last evening and was
glad to hear you were well and had found good friends. This morning finds us all well and in good spirits, and I hope this
may find you the same. Our friend Kerby is still with us, waiting for a letter. He appears to be content and says he can't
go till he does get a letter, on account of money. Maria is still with us, but will leave us Tuesday. She sends her best respects
to Mr. Muir. Now, friend Muir, about our thermometer, I think I have found a man that will take hold of it with me if he
can see a pattern, but he is a careful kind of a man and wants to see through the whole thing before he will say he will take
hold and go in with me, and if you can find time, I wish you would take the matter in hand and get up one on a small scale-such
a model as you would wish to have patented, and forward to me by express. I am in no great hurry, but any time you can conveniently
find time, say by odd spells, you might get up one, and I think I can manage to go into the trade. We shall always be happy
to hear from you, and will always answer promptly. Please tell us what you are doing and what kind of man Mr. Wirad has proved
to be and all parties. Culver says he would like to receive a letter from you at any time you may see fit to write. Hoping
you may prosper, and that the good Lord may bless you in all your undertakings, I will subscribe myself, Yours very respectfully,
John H. Varnel