Three Oaks Mich. 12th 1868
		Dear Brother.
			We received your
letter yesterday. you are getting [illegible in original] pretty fast.,
will soon be on the great pacific Road.
I have just been reading a piece on the road
I will send some of it. thought it may not be of any
use, It is in a pleasant weather now.
business quite dull: farmers just planting corn,
It has been very wet.. We had a very hard
thunder shower: the hardest for years. a few
days ago. I shoveled up a pail ful of water
that blew in under the door. felt a small shock
of electricity..      We had meeting last
evening to see about the celebration of the
fourth of July..  We conclude to celebrate,
Father is working harder than a young
man making beehives: its most
swarming time.. he has gone in to Graces
to day, .. The upper part of Martin Brothers
sotre is nearly done. Stephen will probably
use it as a dwelling,

Capt Bracley is here yet living in the 
old log house.
	Three Oaks is very quiet now
days not much news to write.
	[illegible in original] the man that got his
hat inked one day last winter in the
galley. has a concert to night. I think
I will go the "band" went to Troy
to have an exhibition. there came up a
thunder shower. and stoped it they had to
stay all night and sleep in a barn,
Watch work continues along about the
same pictures are dull. took a baby
to day.. We take the Buchanan Record
now will cut out Locals. when there is any 
and send it to you,
	I am studying. some now days
chemistry. My mind is quite clear for
inventing I may do something in that
line, or try, My health is pretty good
I am out doors a good deal,
     I am glad you like the trade. it will
be as good as a "rich Rathers"
		Your Brother Fred