J Bickley P.M.
Free
John Gose
Clio, Pike County
Ill.
Dear Son and Daughter,
These lines have all the family in tolerable health, my head is right much out of order today but I hope it is nothing dangerous. Yours of the 15th Dec. arrived safety and did not fail to give us pleasure to hear that you are in tolerable health though Eliza had some complaint from cold and as you seemed to take delight in reading I send you a couple of papers. Your letters to your father has arrived, he will perhaps get it tomorrow and as he has written to you I thought I would just slip this scrap in and let you know a few things. It has been said here that S. W. Aston had a letter from Oscar stating that he had bought your part of the goods--if it is so I hope you have made an arrangement to suit you both and that you do it friendly. We have had some verry cold weather, the Mercury was as low as 21 degrees on the morning of the 2nd Inst. below zero just as low as it was last winter on the 3rd. it was 20. on the 5th at 10 above and 6 at 13 below. Since that it has been moderate. Old John Conway was out in the Sandy mountains lost without fire or anything to eat 2 or 3 of the coldest days and nights. It is said he is shockingly frosted, part of his ears, nose and toes it is thought will come off. Long's old Daniel died on the 2nd Inst. after a few days illness. so I have nothing important to write and expect your father's letter will give you pretty general satisfaction.
I shall close by hoping that this scrap may find you both in the enjoyment of good health and bright prospects for the future. I wish you to write frequently and let me know what your prospects are etc.
John Bickley
Febr. 12th 1836
P.S. All the family would rejoice to see you all but as they cannot enjoy that pleasure they unite in their best love to you both.