Our friend Millie transcribed this frm original handwriting, contained little or no punctuation..so have to read between the lines a bit.. March 22, 1870 Dear Rachel & Harden Still feeble from an attact of pleurisy & severe cold ..... again to write you a few lines. I am mending slowly I read your short letter frm your new home in polk was glad to hear you were all well which is the best boon of life I feel to pitty your lonesome condition and fear you have made a sickly location Ague fever I fear will be the result, but it may be different you must exercise patience and anit teady (?) perserverence put your confidence in the promises that god will bless the faithful I do want to visit you and your uncle this season but how to do so is the point. I want spend six months visiting my Re- lations if my health improved I am trying to get a good renter for that time I want to start in May and go all summer if spard so long. I am trying to pay up finke the stable debt Brother Bob is square what he owes with fink. But I shall still be behind the boys & Jno Griner owe I fear I shall lost what Griner got. What Willie M and Hardin owes. I fear is quite uncertain such as my fate when I help my friends if I was not old and helpless I could bear it But as it is it is hard on me and I hope on and strive in right let others do as they may. My struggle in life is almost over yet to be in gloom to last is hard. I have no more materel to convey I hear that Mat is married to the overseer of the Penitentiary I hardly believe it I have had & seen letters from all our Relations nothing new among them George Berkley married a young widow no children is doing well I think. Kiss little Lena for me and Receive my best love Live up to your profession my dear Rachel farewell I am in my 79th year of age nearly worn out. I at Aunt Susan's writing this letter Aunt Caroline was to see me sundy she and family are well. Uncle bud, folks were well. So no more at present may god bless you all and save in his kingdom is the prayer of your Grandpa Susan Lisa and Molly weaver were well S.D. Reavis write soon NOTES: Tonite I found div petition in Moniteau Co Mo for Susan Austin vs John Austin, Mar 1863; granted Sept 1863 1870 Moniteau co Mo Austin, Susan 41 Willie 8 Reavis, Sam D 77 Again thanks Millie. *Barb