Hamersly Library

Oregon Aug 26th, 1855

Dear John & Eliza,

I have just been thinking how well I could enjoy myself if I were at
your house to day, but of this pleasure I cannot partake at present.
We must wait patiently until the God of mammon renders himself
propitious, and then I hope to partake freely of this pleasure. I
suppose we have a small claim on Illinois yet and I feel very much
like holding on to it. We would be very glad if you would tell us all
about our place when you write again.Mr. Hutchinson has been
wanting to write to you for some time but has been hindered by
sickness and many other unavoidable occurrencus. I think he will
write to you in a few weeks, he is very busy now and will be for
some time.  he is away from home all the time except now and then
a day so that he has a very poor chance to write or even think on
any subject except that pertaining to his business. we as are about
two hundred dollar in debt which must all be paid this fall. he has not
collected but very little money yet for surveying money is very hard
to get at this time.We have 19 head of cattle two mares and colts I
dont know how many hogs. two dogs and two children. so this is the
amount of live stock Eliza you must write to us when you feel like it
and I would be glad if these feelings would come on you very often.
Tell us all about Lavina for I see she cant afford tell us anything herself
we want to hear all about the little boys also give my respects to all
who enquire after and would be pleased to hear from me.

Your loving Sister
E.M.B. Hutchinson

*Addendum*

As there is some blank paper left I thought I would ask you whether you
and James think it would be better for me to sell a part of the timbered land
off or sell it all together. likewise whither you think the price of land will rise
or is it at a stand if you think that land will rise, then maby I had better not
sell the old place for a while, I want you to write to me whither you think
Wilson will pay off that note when it is due if I had it.  I could makout for
a while especially if you can sell the place I got of Isaac, Isaac is very
anxious for you to sell the place near your uncle Wm.  Also Hutchinson
wants it sold we want you to write to us what you think the chance will be
to sell it write what was done with Hutchinsons farm East of Isaacs last year
Also what you have done with both of them this year.

Your father 

Peter Butler

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