Jun 1 1851

Dear Mother,

I take this opportunity to write you a few lines.  Both William and Robert are stopping here. Betsey Park is to be wed this day week to a merchant named Cunningham.  Jane made a mistake about Walter's death. It is only a fortnight since he died.  We are wearying very sore for a letter from you and my mother bids me to say that she likes very well to see one from Helen in it.

Mary is here  (torn page)......is very poorly. The death (torn page)has hurt her very much and she was very unwell before.  It was a very sore trial for us all and he is a great want.  Your father and mother would like very well to be in America.  Thomas was here at the hiring day and he says he will be in Illinois in another twelvemonth.  We were very happy to hear that John was getting on so well at the school and we thought we could see him with his bag in his hand trudging away to the school.  No more at present. 

                                                                        I remain your  (torn page)

                                                                                    (James Ritchie)