cams_jcornock_b2990_f008_001_02

it was very hard to get a bed as the hotels were all
crowded and I had to give fifty cents for the privelege [privilege]
of sleeping on a sofa at the Sherman house the
Citizens here say they never saw so many people going
west.

Engaged passage for La Salle in the boat Maid of the
Prairie got La Salle on the Sixth at four O clock [O'clock] got
on board the Steamboat Cataract for St Louis
at five o clock [o'clock] touched at Peru Peoria Naples Beardstown
Alton and all other landings on the Illinois river
(the names you will find in yous [your] little Book)
and arrived here at ten to day [today].

The day is very hot here sol [so] hot the Loafers are hunting
for a place to lie down in the shade and the
Niggers Smell so Strong that it puts me in mind of
the fat Nigger that sells the Cream at Free cents
a glath under the shades of the big Elm tree
every fourth of July.

Vegitation [Vegetation] is very forward here the fruit trees have
Shed their blossoms and we have plenty of onions
Raddishes [radishes] and Lettuce on the Tables.

I Enjoy good health as yet and hope none of you have
any cause to complain of your ill health
and now I have told you my proceedings so far.
I will close my letter giveing [giving] my respects to
father Mother Ann, Henery and all my Sisters.

From your Brother

John Cornock