McFarland-Russell Letter, March 28, 1880

C. Russell Orange Orange County Texas

Headville Robertson Co. Tex. March the 28 1880 Mrs. C.C. Russel, dear sister I received your letter a short time ago was glad to hear from you and that you was doing well. I am sorry to hear that Tom is so low though. I hope he will git well yet I wrote to him last week I am also sorry to hear that Pa has got a canser on his foot I would go to see them if I posably could due so, but my condition and poverty keeps me from going. Times are hard and money scarce. I have rented forty acres of land this year. I am going to plant about twenty four acres in cotton. What could I do in Orange to make a living at or East Texas Research Center

Could I duo any thing at all then with out some capitol to commence on. I expect to move from this county if I ever git able. I am too prone to buz land lease at the present prices of land. I expect to move two or three hundred miles farther west some where on the border counties if I cant find some other way of making a living besides renting land. Sis says she will write to you in a few days. Give my respects to all enquiring friends tell Bob to write to me and you must write oftener. You must excuse this badly writen letter Kate -- Mabe I will duo better the next time I write. Your brother with much affection. William McFarlan East Texas Research Center