Scranton Dec 3rd 1886

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Dear Brother

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I received your very welcome letter and was sorry to learn that you had been ailing. I hope by this time you are entirely recovered.

I ought to have written to you sooner but I have had another severe attack of my old enemy, sciatic rheumatism, which confined me to the house some three weeks, and when I got out again I had so much to attend to from having lost so much time that I have neglected it.

I suppose however Elvira or some of the rest, has informed you of the broken link in the family circle of children by the death of our Sister Temperance, who departed this life Sept 19th caused by a cancer in the stomach the Doct called it. Although it was evident that she had not long to live, her death was very sudden, as she was up around the house only 3 or 4 days previous.

She departed very peaceful rejoicing in the hope of salvation. I pray that we all may be prepared to meet her in glory at the great day of final accounts.

It is somewhat wonderful that the whole family of children were spared till the youngest was near sixty. No doubt the rest of us will soon follow one after another till we all pass through the dark valley. Which will be called next!

You made no mention of what I wrote you of, the request of our Brooklyn cousin. Although I think he is a little off on the subject of geneology you might as well give him a brief biographical sketch of the main incidents of your life. I don’t know as I can give you anything new about matters or people.

December has set in very cold with us here with some snow.

When you write again, and please don’t let your letters be so much like angel’s visits, give us some idea of the size, appearance and importance of your lake and river and are fish and game plenty.

Our city continues to grow rapidly. The increase of building and population is wonderful, the population now cannot be much less than 80,000.

Your Brother

George