House Sept 15th 1867
   My Dear Sister,
			You write to us
together or on the same sheet so we have
torn our sheet in two and will answer
you at the same time each telling
more than we know I expect, and
the same things perhaps.
	I was at your house all day yester
day. made one pair of over-alls for Jim and
very nearly another. have a good deal
of sewing to do now.
		Janie just more than
pitches into the work. It so happened
that she has had to do a considerable share
and be house keeper a part of the time.
	Mother and Aunt Eveline were here
Thursday.    We think little Ira is some
better.  He is gaining a little in flesh and
seems hardly so lame as when you went
away. though he is miserable yet.
	Aunt Olive is coming out this week if She
is not at mother's now. She is going to make
us a long visit this time; will probably be
here when you get home.   Pa and ma and
Ira went out to Uncle [illegible] Saturday a
week ago and came back Monday. I hope
you will be able this winter to go with us there
if you are home. Have you made up your mind
what you are going to do.   Dear Jane do not
let those people frighten you. I am sorry they

talk quite so plain to you.  It worries your mother
very much. Your father has been told by so many
that it was a swindling institution that he
						 say.
does not seem to believe so much in what they ^
	Mary McGowen came down Monday to
work for me, so I am not alone now. She was
very welcome for I had the sick headache Saturday
night and Sunday. very bad. and you know I do
not get over it very readily.		Little Mary
keeps quite well though she is growing a little
thinner.   I am getting fat. weighted 99½ the other
day. the 4th inst. have not weighed since.
	I guess Mary Allen has the [illegible in original] school
She applied for it and I think she went over
there to-night.   Hat talked of taking a school
in Mo. to get $45.00 per month and her board
and commence to morrow.  So Mary told me.
	We can lock our lower story now. We expect
Clemen's this week to do the plastering and make
the cistern.    I do not know that I will feel
any finer when our house is finished. but am
sure of being well pleased with it.
	Jim has finished his letter first, but
I had to stop a little while with Mary. I have
kissed the little darling more than once for you.
	Nearly nine O'clock. Write often while
you stay. You have more time than we do.
	We are having a fine rain and that
not before it is needed. Should n't wonder if
it rained every day while they are roofing the house.
			Yours as ever.
					Emeline Cathcart.