RK-716

63

Rustic[circled] Cottage Sunday Jan. 23d 1859.

RK Wash

Dear Old Bug Catcher: -

How is the old Heart of you now a days? Have not heard a so much as a whisper from you this long while suppose you are very busy so its all right but do let me hear from you some accaissonally if you only put on paper one of your old time Injinn yells or a significant expletive or so - just to let a fellow know that you are hearty and dont quite forget him. - You have no idea what a confounded dull hole this is at a time of year that I may appropriately style in a sort of Miccawbuish way the Winter

of our discontent - &c. I manage to bear it though without grumbling much and am thankful that I have heaps of work to do what with grafting days and writing for P. F. nights. Have set over 10,000 grafts up to date pretty well considering the little time we have been at it. John P. takes to the work kindly - By the way he has gone into a land agency & real estate business with Parker of Salem for a partner. Vaughn is married we expect him every day with the bride who is said to be proper nice. Reckon they will stay in Salem the rest of the winter - Did I inform you that J.P. had been blessed

[page turned] Father went by without calling I am anxious about him -

with another son -

Lawrence is an immense comfort and help to me but I shall have to spare him soon as Major moves his absence - Thats a good move of Majors to go to Com. College.

We have had a very mild winter here until the last two days - now it is colder than Greenland - Yesterday the coldest day of the season the mercury was down to 3[degrees] below - On Thursday it was up to 50[degrees] and on that day I planted a lot of fine imported bulbs that I got of H.V. for a trifle guess they will prove a good speculation They were mostly crocus -

I go no wheres & that matters it seem duller more over I have but little pleasant reading though I take the

the weekly C. four -- a great comfort. It is a great nuisance being so far from the P.O. Bibb is well and as lazy as ever -

I tell you what Bob - I just begin to appreciate the dear old home you and I have left - Still I think I have a good thing down here if I can only keep out of debt and procure[?] a Job like patience. I only feel unhappy on Dele B's account - for as owing to meddlesome tongues our engagement is no secret she is placed in rather and unpleasant situation at times - though she never owns to any thing of the sort. - Well Bob such and Old Blessing is worth waiting and working for - I have not heard from home in some time -

I would give a "few" just to be with you an hour or so - & if this random talk makes you feel happier for a moment I shall be glad - Old Bobous Count I shall not forget, you nor [illegible] what you are trying to do - God bless you

Bro. Charlie.