Dec 16 1864

 

Friend John I received your letter the 15^th Our boat is in running order and it runs full as well as I expected you will see ous down to savana Just as soon as navigation is open I have contracted my lumber for the Barge and I expect to comence the Barge the first of February my Machinust has finished his job long ago the Brigport Bells are prety neer played out and I have not seen mary since sometime last monte and I have just quit my darn fooling / and am a goin into buisness I expect to own a thousand [?] by next fall if you ever come to Mahona be sure and call

 

Friend Vanimble Burgh

ty

 

From Your Friend

O W Nimms

 

Steamer unknown

 

[drawing of a stream boat and a man pulling it on the towpath]

 

vanimble burg

Capt of the Sauk City

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