I would take the steamboat at Pittsburg, the roads in Ohio and Indiana are so bad.

You can get a steamer up the Illinois River at Alton and get off at Beardstown and drive across country.

If we knew when you were coming Samson or Abe would meet you.

Give our love to all the folks and friends.
"Yours affectionately, "Sarah and Samson." * * * * * It had been a cold winter and not easy to keep comfortable in the little house.

In the worst weather Samson used to get up at night to keep the fire going.