Albion, Wisconsin 5 December 1862

Dear Henry:

I received your letter a week ago with pleasure and I will try to answer it though I have not much news. Margaret is going off to visit Mary Jane North before she goes to school again. Maggie was at the Fort yesterday to mill as there is such a scarcity of water here they cannot grind but little. Most horses around here are sick. Ours has escaped so far. So Joe had to take grist for us and Tom. Most neighbors are out of flour. Last week we had William Slater and Tom Abbot. One of the coldest days we have had this winter. They brag Dakota up finely . . . (parts missing) . . . . . . are practicing this week. They new pastor says he likes their style of singing. He is thought a good preacher but he can't talk it off like Lugg is the opinion. Old George is one of the foremost again but slightly thought of by some. I really can't tell you the name of the books but you shall have it the next scrawl. Joe Hemphill goes on horseback to his school. He has tried to get up a writing school but he cannot get enough. He has Sam canvassing for him but they cannot get scholars. He wants it down here at the east school house. Tommy is at Arnolds. He has been chopping for him and he and Bill Abbott has taken fifty cords to chop for Mr. Bielsford. (parts missing) Joe is not well. If he lifts anything it fetches a pain in his side. He will have to lay by a while. Mag and he are doctoring yet with the old man. Arnolds Hannah is getting quite smart again. The land you spoke of is a good chance for those that have money and youth on their side but I am so infirm that I could not work it. I'll tell you, Henry, if all of you think of going out to get a home a piece I'll sell and help improve them. Thats my idea of emigrating, but go where you can have land cheap. I don't believe in giving ten dollars an acre for wild land. Joe is still talking about Nebraska. I think he will go prospecting in the Spring. He receives letters from Ben Slagg and papers. According to the accounts its the place. Margret thinks she should not like Iowa. Arnold has taken the sextons place at the church for one year. It appears your examinations came out favorably up there. That is good. No doubt you will take your own thought about teaching in the spring, but if you should not teach we have plenty of land to put tobacco in or any other crop. I have bought Joes horses and implements for three hundred fifty dollars but I tell you my health is not very good. You must give my love to all and tell them that I should like to see them. Yet I can stir around and do light chores. I dont expect to get about like I used to, but it has been imposed on my mind to trust God. Maggie thinks something of the young one though she has not seen it. Joe has come in. He says the name of the singing book is "The Standard". I have sold my hogs at three and a half. Now its three and a quarter. It is two here. I don't know what it will be. They know it is tax time. There is a good deal of inquiry after you by the folks but we don't tell all you know. We are going about as usual. No singing school for the young folks nor debating school. So, I must close with my sincere love to you and all the rest.

I remain your ever loving father,

Henry Slagg