<< Dear Sister, I have taken my pen in hand in answer to your letter of the second of March and was grateful to hear one more time from you and family taht you were enjoying good health, and in a prosperious condidtion. As to the health of my family, it is tolerable good at this time, except the whooping cough. The children has that tolerabely bad, though now pretty well over it. Mother was taken sick some time last fal and all hope for her recovery was vanished, but she has recovered. She was taken with palsey, at Uncle James Harvey's ever since before Christmas. Brother Harvey Lawrence departed this life some time in the spring of 1854. I do not recollect the month or day. I take from the letter I got from you, you was not appraised of his death. his departure ws caused from Breast complaint... Now as to the balance of the connections. They are all well as far as I know, and doing well now. Something about the products and prices of old Kentucky...the garden spot of the world. Stocks of all kind very high and still looking up. Horses generally worth from $75.00 to $200.00. Cattle, milk cows is worth $15 to $20. Work cattle well broke at least 3 years old worth $40 to $50 dollars, and that up to $100.00. Stock hogs at this time is worth 4 cents a pound. Corn is worth $1.50 to $1.75 per barrel. Wheat from 75 cents to one dollar a bushel. Oats worth 25 cents to 30 cents a bushel, and now a few words about the winter. We had the coldest winter this winter as ever in Kentucky known. The commenced a few days before Christmas and lasted until about the first of March, and this far we have had a cold and very backward spring. The most backward spring I ever saw. We have three children. All sons. The eldest Elbert Patton is eleven years, the second John Elzey is 2 years old. I must now bring my letter to a close, but still desire you to write to me ever opportunity, and still remain your affectionate brother and siter until death. John H. Lawrence and Polly Lawrence to: Verlinda Rhea and children, Waverly, IL. A few words to Rhoda and her companion. I desire to be remembered to them in love, you said in your letter previous they had moved to Missouri, but have now moved back. I desire that they write. Love and compliments also. John Lawrence and Polly. _______________________________________________________ Next Letter March 10, 1857 >>