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                                                                Feb 10th 1862

Monday Eve

I am here [?] Jane to night I thought I would try and write a few lines to you to let you know that I have not forgotten you and your friends down there. I am well at present and all the rest of them and hope that these few lines will find you the same. I am haveing lots of fun up here in the woods you may bet there is something agoing on here most every night here, it is as good as it has been. I was out sleighriding last night had lots of fun if it was [?] and last week we went to the Grand Rapids Jane and Edward Barnard went with me we went in a sleigh it is about 40 or fifty miles from here and from teh Rapids about twenty miles South wich fetch us within twenty miles of Calmazoo so that I had good [?]of seeing Michigan we was gone about two week from home perhaps you would like a discription of where I have been so I will commence and do the best that I can first it is heavy time land Second Opening third woods fourth log houses hardly no framed ones. You need not look for me back for you will be mistaken.

                                    Well how do you and Sharp enjoy yourselves this winter and all the rest of you down there where is John this winter and Henry do you hear from him and Indeed you must write about them all down there well how is my mom getting along I am going to a dance this week and one next week well you must excuse me this time and will try and do better next time write soon very soon. Tell Jane I will write to her as soon as I can dont forget to write and write all the news I must close by Given my best respect to all inquiring friends if any 
                                         So Good Night 
                                 From your cousin Mary 

P.S Address Mary A Houstater Portland Michigan [?]