ruggle was farming. The following
letter was written to his youngest sister Mary, then sixteen years
old, afterward Mrs. M.J. Cramer. "Jennie," afterward Mrs. A.R. Corbin,
was the second sister, Virginia.]

St. Louis, Mo.,
August 22nd, 1857.

DEAR SISTER:

Your letter was received on last Tuesday, the only day in the week on
which we get mail, and this is the earliest opportunity I have had of
posting a letter.

I am glad to hear that mother and Jennie intend making us a visit. I
would advise them to come by the river if they prefer it. Write to me
beforehand about the time you will start, and from Louisville again,
what boat you will be on, direct to St. Louis,--not Sappington,
P.O.--and I will meet you at the river or Planter's House, or wherever
you direct.

We are all very well. Julia contemplates visiting St. Charles next
Saturday to spend a few days. She has never been ten miles from home,
except to come to the city, since her visit to Covington.

I have nothing in particular to write about. My hard work is now over
for the season with a fair prospect of being remunerated in everything
but the wheat. My wheat, which would have produced from four to five
hundred bushels with a good winter, has yielded only seventy-five. My
oats were good, and the corn, if not injured by frost this fall, will
be the best I ever raised. My potato crop bids fair to yield fifteen
hundred bushels or more. Sweet potatoes, melons and cabbages are the
only other articles I am raising for market. In fact, the oats and
corn I shall not sell.

I see I have written a part of this letter as if I intended to direct
to one, and part as if to the other of you; but you will understand
it, so it makes no difference.

Write to me soon and often. Julia wears black. I had forgotten to
answer that part of your letter.

Your affectionate Brother,

ULYSS.

P.S. Tell father that I have this moment seen Mr. Ford, just from
Sacketts Harbor, who informs me that while there he enquired of Mr.
Bagley about my business with Camp, and learns from him that the
account should be acted upon immediately. Camp is now at Governor's
Island, N.Y., and intends sailing soon for Oregon. If he is stopped he
may be induced to disgorge. Tell father to forward the account
immediately.

U.

[White Haven was the name of the Dent homestead near St. Louis. Grant
has rented out his own farm, and taken that of his father-in-law.

Written to his sister Mary