Ashley Uintah Co Nov 28 1886

Dear Par, Bros & Sisters

I will write a few lines in answer to your letter which I received some time ago. I was glad to hear that all was well. All are well here I hope this will find you the same. Bert had quite a soar throat last week but it is almost well now. I was glad to see John & am much gladder to think that I have such brothers as I have for you can see most of such boys with a wad of tobacco in their mouth or a whiskey bottle in their pocket besides cursing & swearing which is an evil among all men & I think that Father & Mother would feel proud of them. There was a man got lost at the head of the dushane river (that is not the way to spell it) & was lost two days & nights he went out to look for their cattle & it began to snow & drift his brother & others numbering about 9 men hunted two days then his brother rode home in one day got here at 11 oclock at night he changed horses at the post next day he got a team & a crowd of men & started back Jim let one span of horses go they left here just dark we have heard that they sent 50 men from the post to search for him the men have not got back yet but we have heard the man is all right when he found him he was on red creek close to a cattle herd, he has a wife & family here his name is Jim Oneil. Our folks killed their pigs last week they killed 15 Jim killed 5 or 6 I have my lard & sausage made & done with. Mother you said you felt uneasy about me you need not you spoke of me not going to Jims I was not able to go George wanted to hire a girl to do my work but I would not listen to it I thought it was best for me to do my own if I could. But I am well now & feel well the dress Lorenzo gave me is just right for me & I have not altered it any since I was there. The things you sent came all right & I say thanks I dont know when I can return the compliment. John has had quite a soar finger since he got here he got a sliver in it when they tipped over I was afraid it would serve him like Grandpa but it is almost well. We have cold weather it is clear. I will quit for this time the children is crying to write to you love to all & not forgetting Grandma I remain as ever your loving daughter & sister.

Phebe Merkley