Derrick Applegate

TO James Aplegate
Alegheany county
pencylvania Elizabeth town Post Office

New Amsterdam, Ia.

Janary the 16 1840

Dear brother and sister

I once more write you a few lines to inform you that we are all well at this time and we thank god for his great blesings which he bestowes on us. I received your letter dated march the 30 which gave me great satisfaction to hear you are all well. [Y]ou reuested to know my sircumstance. Isaiah made a will and left me in possession of all and a plentifull living I have with our own industry. I have had an idea of coming to see you but I am getting old and am afflicted with the reumatism so in my limbs that I don’t expect I shall get to come soon. Louisa Carter is left a widow and has come home to live with me. [S]he has two children a boy and a girl Isaiah and Jane. Derrick is destitute of a home and is living with me. [H]anah has to of his children and asher is married and took polly up to arkensaw.

[G]rain is very plenty but no sale

[W]illiam Applegate is still crasy yet and is no better. [T]he rest is all well and herty. Samuel Currens family is all well and [G]arret is married to girl by the name of Elizabeth Dean.

I want you to writ to me as soon as you can. [W]e have had a severe winter so far for this country.

[N]o more at present but remain your affectionate sister until death

Alfred sends his best respects to John and Elizabeth and Louisa and Harriet sends their respects to the girles

Hannah Applegate