you had to go and be so very partial, and send to two Miss Somebodies a piece and forgot me. But no, I'll take that back, for I received a letter from you that was worth all of the cake put together. And let me here thank you for your sympathy in my sickness. I had a right bad spell last night, but feel some better tonight. I don't know when I will get well & fearful it will be a long time.
Black Jack Grove, Texas March 2nd, 1879
Mr. J. C. Brewer Dear, dear friend,
This, the first Sabbath evening of blustery, boisterous March finds me in the possession of one of your ever interesting letters; and now, since I have been left to my self for a little while, I will with my utmost ability, endeavor to reply to that missive which will be kept and cherished in old age, as well as now. Not only the last will be appreciated, but all that has been my happy lot to have received from and also mailed at the little town of "Rockwall." But I guess it would be better for me to desist in speaking favorably of your letters or you might take it as "flattery."