May 22, 1878

                                                      Mr. Tracy

Dear Sir. I received a letter some time ago and hasten to reply     it is raining today so I have time to write     we are pretty busy now in getting the land ready for corn     we intend planting in about two days     we had a temperance revival here last week     there was 200 signed the pledge     we will have another meeting tomorrow night     it is a blue ribbon movement     I am wearing the ribbon that cut and left a big scar on my hand     I received the book you sent me and was pleased with it      how are times in New York     by this time hope they are better     will you ask Mr. Trott what became of that young man that was working for him when I worked for him     I guess he would know me     times are awful hard out here now     there is scarcely any money out here     I expect you are doing good work now     I have no more to say at present so I will close wishing you good success in your work     I remain

                                                              Yours respectfully

                                                                                     James