Dear brothers and sister
I now seat myself to inform you that we are still visited with sickness. Mary was taken with croup day before yesterday and very sick for a while, but has got better. Opcan(??) was taken sick yesterday and is quite sick now. We expect he has a sore or gathering in his head, but are in hopes he will be better soon. Monday last I fixed the gate by the house and when I took it down I carried back out of the way I went backwards and struck my head against a stone and as want to save myself from falling my foot slipped and wrenched my knee so bad that I troubles me very much. I under took to go in ?? for work this morning. I could not find any work near home and went a way to Mr Sheffs, but his land is so wet now that he could not do much himself and his land used it appears to be the same with all famers in this vicinity, but when it is dry again there will be enough to be done. I expect two acres to plant to corn and potatoes on shares. If you can by any means consisteriting help me to two or three dollars to help me out this dilemma I think I can find work enough for the future to help myself. We are out of provisions pretty much. I will pay it in haying time I durst not promise before. I feel that I am invading upon good nature after you have done so much, more than any one could reasonably expect or even hope for. I feel ashamed to ask another favor, but I am rather compelled do so or run into debt ?? which do not expect I could do if I should try. You cannot ?? the lot your spoke of till another year. Yours truly. W F Baldwin.