february the 1 1879

Well Harve I got your letter some to or three weeks a go and to day is satarday and I thought I would write you an answer as I am not going to work to day I have been choping wood this winter for fifty cents per day but the man says he will give me 75 cents the first of March. I expect to take a cow of his in the spring I wish you could sell my cow pretty quick. I rote to

Mason that he mite have her if he could send me fifteen dollars and pay the rest the first of April.

You said Mother thinks I want to come back tell her not to fret for dont want to if I had a thousand dollars I would not move back thair think I would die if I had to move back among them hills to make my living as hard as times is now I am going to work for a man by the name of Hines next sumer I will move the first of April.

Well I have rented a box in the post office and the number is 150. It cost me ten cents and I dont have to ask for my letters when I get thair.

(From May)
Well Mother i thout i would try and rite a line or too our baby is not very well he has got a bad cold and he had the croop the other night. i have not weaned him yet he will be two years old the 30 of May i have to stay close at home for the Scarlet fever is around here and i do not want my children to get it for i have enough i would like to see you all but i dont

know wnen that will be wither it will ever be on earth or not Harve i would like to see you and Mary's baby Well i will close my scribbling.
From May Matthews to all the family rite soon.

(From John)
Well have I think the rest of them thinks damed little of me or they would rite to me but I am Independent as a hog on Ice if they dont want to rite thay can let it alone give me all the news in general tell me how auntie is getting and all the rest of the folks. I want you to rite and tell me if Mason wants the cow direct or be fore

from John Matthews
to H P Matthews