Aurora Oct 5. 1870
J A Hatch [?]land Ind

 

                                                                                                                        Dear Son

I have been thinking for a long time of writing you. In May we looked for you for some time with a great deal of anxiety and felt disappointed that you did not come

 

We do very much want to hear from you but much more want to see you here and have a visit from you

 

you probably know from the newspapers much if not all about our Railroads now in progress of building that one to pass through aurora The Fox river valy Railroad is nearly graded to Geneva we expect it will be in running order by the first of Jany There is squad of men at work on our almost or quite evry mile of men our Chicago and Iowa Railroad from here to Richmond It will doubtless be all graded the 1^st Dec. / It is all finished through D C Minst farm 160 Rods or about the middle of it and as far as you can see each way a straight and beautiful grade almost a dead [?] with natural prairie I think the depo in Squaw Grove cannot be more than one mile from him and probably within half mile and maybe on his farm

 

The two seasons past has been such as to deprive me of much of the available means in money matters As anticipated the last years wet season and this years drouth have cut me short naturally When on the farm some years ago when I had the means then I signd for the Fox River valey Railroad $500.00 to be Paid when done to Geneva on this side the river as it will soon be done and I must raise the money the available means I had once is all gone or mostly / It is time for me to look round If you have any money to let I will promise to give you as good interest and do as well by you as you can do any where If you will now help me I will remember you with more than ordinary compensation

 

This Iowa R.R. passes within about a mile of my farm of 160 acres in Sugargrove how near the depo will be I cannot tell but will probably increase the value of that some I intend to sell that as soon I can for a fair price which will place me above board

 

We have some hopes of seeing you here on Saturdays reunion Mattie will we expect be over hoping to meet you write me soon or come if you can or you will not have a chance to ride to squaw grove in any thing but a car 

 

I have a span of 4 year old horses so near like what you once said to me you wanted I often think they would be very suitable for you they are but partially broke as soon fly time is over I intend to to harness & brake them to drive They are well matched rather small them poney horses I wish you could see them and you doubtless will if you come out to see us in any due time We are all in usual health except little Celia who has ben quite unwell for a few days but is getting better Mother sends much love and does know who to thank for that animated [?] Paper but you

 

She prizes it highly                                                     Yours Most affectionately

                                                                                                Jethro Hatch

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