Fairbanks, Palmer & Co.

Publishers and Booksellers,

  203 & 205 Wabash Ave.

 

Chicago, June 27, 1882

 

My own dear Father,

                                    Who is delinquent now? Do you owe me, or I owe you a letter?

 

            Never mind I am in for a letter to you now, and will not stop until it is written.

 

            Soon after my return to Chicago Maria was taken suddenly ill and for ten weeks was so low that even our physician gave up all hopes of carrying her through her illness, but for nearly a week she has been on the improve and is now able to sit up in bed, and I trust will mend rapidly—I shall go up into the wilds of Wisconsin as soon as she can be moved and trust that trip will prove beneficial.

 

            About Sept 1—I am going to purchase a home here, not too expensive a one, but a plain, yet pleasant one expect to pay $10,000 for it. My Iowa property has appreciated nearly 100 percent, and could be sold for double what I paid for it. I intend to hold on to it for some time.

 

Now I am anxious that you get your house and barns fixed up at once, ie before you commence to cut tobacco. Wont you see a carpenter at once and get from him an estimate of the cost of putting the barn in good order, also the shed.

 

Have George see Bill Pitkin, and try to purchase the 1½ acres next to little church, and if reasonable I will pay cash for it. Then we will have the side hill dug into and a nice stabling made for the cows, being a south front it will be a fine one, but these matters to benefit you must be attended to now. You need not wait for reply, but go ahead and do whatever you think is best, and call on me for all the help necessary. You are all apt to put off matters dont do it, but give this immediate attention. I will not be able to get East before latter part of August, I am afraid, although I shall try to be present at the Celebration of Palmer Family at Stonington, Ct. I have sent for a certificate of membership for you, and George, & will have them send same to you. You will notice that I have been made one of the non resident Vice Presidents of the Reunion. Have you received their list of officers, constitution and by laws?

 

            How is your health. I hope that you will continue in good health and that you will be very careful and not overdo during the summer months.

 

            How is Geo & family. I write him by this mail, more particularly about Barn.

 

My business is simply immense, beyond all expectations and hopes, and extends to every part of the Globe. Wish you could see how nicely I am situated.

 

Maria sends love to all, in which I join.        

 

Your loving son,

Loomis.

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