Bro John,
  
  I sent this to Brownsville, it remained there 20 days & returned to me I
now send it to cousin Billy, thinking it will find you through him; I have
written you several letters in the past 8 years but you never answer & I
concluded you had cut my acquaintence but now conclude you never go to a
P.O. & have not recd my letters.
 
  I am sorry that you have such hard times; I would have supposed a man with
ten children ought to be prosperous and crowned worth plenty of all this
worlds goods; yet sometimes these little responsibilities makes times tight.
I thought I had a large family but you beat me.
 
  The children are all well; Hester is married and living at Chamois in
Osage Co. her husband has bought property in that place; Frank is doing
business in Sedalia, Pettis Co; Charly is at home in the Insurance business;
Aby and Jimy are in the Telegraph business for the MO Pacific R.R.; John
Fred is living with Hester at Chamois.
 
  I was married the 2nd time to a Ms. Wilson; she has one boy, he is now 14
years old and so I am almost alone; children large enought to make a living
for themselves I am living in old Jefferson running the Law & Claims
business; if the Legislation will do what they should, I will make a good
thing out of the claims biz, will have enough to rest on my ease the balance
of my days, and give the children a good start in the world.
 
  Bro John why don't you enter some land under the Act of Congress giving
soldiers land, and take your children out to a county where they can do
something for themselves; I do not see how a poor man can ever get a start
in an old settled county; now while your are stout and able to go with the
children as a guide and advisor, I would think it would be best.
 
  I think if I am well and get my business straightened out this spring
about April or May, I will be up in your country and likely take a trip to
Texas, would like for you to go with me.  Tell Nancy it is time for her to
quit having children and rest herself the balance of her days.  What are
your childrens names and ages?  I heard from America last week, she was
well, Cousin James is living in Miller County near where his father (cousin
John) lived they have hard times so I heard.  Have any of yours married and
are you Grand Pop yet?
 
  My old home, I have rented out partly, the balance of the house is ocupied
by old Aunt Mary (colored) and my son Charly almost an old bachelor.  I live
in town at my office; rather camping, do you know any thing of camp life?
  I send you the "Family Record" as far as I have it.  Hope you will send me
your family & cousin Fredericks so I may add to my record.
 
  Give my love to Nancy and children and all the cousins, say that I am the
same old jolly fellow as ever - write often
 

Your brother Abraham