RK-274

54 1 1857

Ann Union Co Ill [circled] 19 April 16^th

Dear Mother,

I have been too busy to be homesick, else my mind would have been very sadly dwelling on you all, where it now does much of the time despite the rushing about among new and strange objects.

I believe I am pretty much of a baby about home any way - I no sooner get away than I do so long to be back again - However, all this must in some measure be conquered - I would not be perfectly contented to be away from home if I could.

I am getting strong and well - have tramped and hauled seine hard 3 days and

to day I "lie by" to rest and write some letters.

I am well satisfied with my success in collecting.

I have been staying at Col Ashley's most of the time - It is very pleasant and home like - Last night Mrs Ashley Mary and Miss Barnes (Chas Dougla's' neice) helped me string labels -

I have recieved but one letter (alices) since I left home ^{besides one in Chicago} - I doubt not you have written and the letters will reach me in time - A paper I mailed to Mrs Ashley two weeks since arrived last night. This explains the non appearence of the letters.

I hope some of you will write often - If you could fully know how much good a letter from home does me you would send

54 2 one by every mail. do so if possible - the 3 cents postage [circled] 20 aint much and twill do the girls good to write.

It must so happen that I cannot write regularly. I shall make short expeditions for a few days to places where I cannot find Post offices.

I shall keep this as head quarters - address everything care of L. W. Ashley Anna Union Co Ill. or might better perhaps write thus

{ Anna I.C.R.R. { Jonesboro station I.C.R.R. { Union Co Ill

Jonesboro is a mile or two from here

Col. Ashley says the apple trees sent here from our place

turned out badly - they seemed to have been hurt by the winter large spots on the sides died of the trunks died - many trees died entirely - but for this he says he could have gotten many orders -

How would it do for father to write to him offering to resupply these - on the condition that more were ordered - It was only the apple trees - maybe a fourth were lost - the evergreens gave first rate satisfaction. Wish we could get some more of this years sizes down here - those look mighty small we sent before yet they think highly of them here - Should any one order from here I would suggest that a couple or so of the finest he sent as a present to col ashley - He would like them and they would be seen in his yard

54 3 [circled] 23 He is a queer man - very rich - miserly almost in some thinks yet very liberal in others - he never forgets a kindness nor forgives an injury. - He loves to make money - If the thing could be done father and Charlie would make a good thing of it to start a nursery and fruit farm here Think of it!! Could not father come down in June? get free pass and col ashly would be delighted to have him stay with him and take him around. This is a glorious country thats so - the suckers are leaving and yankees coming in -

This is an uncommon spring never such a one known before - very cold - frost yet - will do to plant trees for some time yet.