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Chicago, Mch 3d 1877
Dear Mother:
I write you today as I will not perhaps have time tomorrow as I have given in my name to join the Lincoln Park Congregational church in the morning.
You will think by this that I am satisfied. I am only more decided in my determination to be a Christian andthink the surest way is to take a decided stand on the Lord's side; then the knowledge will come, sooner or later; I am even more certain now that I can rely on the promisses of my Savior when He says "Whosoever cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out: again The Spirit and the bride saith come. Let him that heareth come and whosoever will let him take of the water of life freely." I cannot think that it means every one except me when it says "whosoever will"!
Dear Mother thank God with me that He has given me strength to confess His cause before men. I rely on His help to keep me in the straight path, my only fear is that I may put my dependence in self then I'll be sure to falter.
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Mr Goetz is East now and when he comes back I go on "the Road."
Mr Hoops our head Salesman was accidentally shot by our floormanager yesterday a week ago and that made considerable change in our programme as I intended going into the Stock all this week and learn something of Gloves before going on the road to sell them. I hope he will be down here tomorrow. the ball entered the neck and lodged near the shoulder; if it had varied 1/2 an inch either way it would have resulted fatally. Mr Hoops is about 28 or 30 but does not look as old as I (I am taken to be so often) has a wife and child. his Salary is $15 per week which is continued during his absence.
1:30 P.M. The snow is now falling very fast - has not ceased perceptably since 7 oclock this a.m.
I have not anything especially to do as Mr Reiss the new "Pard" keeps the Books. Love to Grand-ma! Will write in acknowledgement of Mrs Dalton's kind letter soon. Write as often as you can to your Son Hughes
Pray for me!
[Written in margin: Ford Richmond Va]