| dc.description.transcription | Springfield,Mo. July 17, 1868John BucknerEsteemed CousinNotwithstanding the shortness of our stay I know you will be pleased to hear from us; how we were received and how treated &soon.We had quite a pleasant trip, and it would have been much more pleasant had it not been so warm. We were quite fortunate, not a single accident happening to us with the exception of the breaking of one throat latch, and the hurting of some of our horses necks, though they have all gotten well with the exception of rats, and Frank is now working him; he and Wm. Rickey went up to Mark’s today. We were just twelve days on the road, averaging about 31 miles per
day, the horses look about as well when we started; mine looks better, he stood the trip better than any of the rest. Our presence in these regions is a complete surprise to all, and not a very agreeable one to some of them judging from the way the gaze at us I know they wish us back in a in a warmer climate, that number, are not very numerous. All with whom I have yet met appear glad to see me. We were at church last Sunday in the prairie Mr. Baxter preached a funeral discourse of Mrs. Foster a sister of Mrs. Jim Wood lately married.We met many old acquaintancesand friends, yet alas; how many familiar faces were absent, never have I missed them so much before, their places are supplied by others,yet by no means their equals in my estimation. Saturday morning July 18. I was prevented from finishing my letter yesterday evening, having stoped writing to assist Frank W. make a rake,he is now busy saving his hay, he left Uncle W. Roperin Round prairie Benton Co. Ark; he traded his interest in the cattle for two young bay horses that Uncle W. raised. Dave Ropersold his cattle in Springfield this week did very well I think; he had a certificate with the benton co. sealupon it and the names of five of his Radical friends upon it certifying that his cattle had been wintered in the co. Cattle are worth from 18 to 25 dollars here, horse from 75 to 200 mules the same, though there is no great demand for either. I havebeen to town twice Springfield is improving rappidly there are 15 brick stores being built now. There is considerable excitement and talk about the railroad.Several surveys have been made the most of which pass near John McQuigg’shouse east passing through several farms striking the prairie on the high ridge between Aunt Margar’s farm and brags Spring upon which point they have these tents stretched. I have been to the farm once it is all under fence with the exception of the new strip on the south. Mr. Young is now living upon it,and is a working man has about 70 acres in cultivation this year, in looks well the meadow has tolerable grass upon it. I can tell you more about it when I come. Crops are needing rain very much. John I will be unable to eat apples one day for you as I promised, for I fear there would be none left as fruit of all kinds is scarce. I will have to stop writing for I have the headache this evening. This leaves all well. Uncle Bob Fany and Will Richey as you know ere this are here,they are all in the upper country, will come back tomorrow Wm. Richey is in very bad health has the consumption I fear he will never reach home. John I have written this little by little so you may not wonder at it want of connection. With love to all I am as ever.Your Cousin,Jesse [bottom of 3rd page] Ella is at town Sallie and Jesse May are here they send love to all. [on front page sideways text]Uncle B. has just come as I finish and is well My kindestregards all enquiring friend Jesse | |
