Scranton Nov 9th 1876

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Dear Brother

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I received a very welcome letter from you about Sept 1st dated in April. I thought at the time I would reply immediately, but one thing and another occupied my time and it has slipped along till now. You need not fear of being too lengthy or too minute, the more the better, everything concerning yourself is of interest to me. I am glad to learn that your prospects are somewhat brightening. If the Northern Pacific Rail Road is built what will be the effect on property in British Columbia and will the contemplated Road through British America pass near where you are?

I believe when I wrote you last I told that I had a government appointment in the Revenue Service. Well that streak of luck like all others before, concerning my unfortunate self has failed me. The duties of my Office was to prevent frauds on the government in the distillation of Spirits, but after serving about nine months the distillery burned down and my pay stopped. I had rented my Gallery from which I get about $100 a month. I am earning a little also in collecting taxes, but not much.

I went last summer to visit the Old home - the first time since 1860. The Old neighbors are all gone except Orrin Houghton, Crandal, and Merwins. Lucius has made a pretty good farm out of that part of the Old Swift7 next to our old place.

We had a very pleasant visit and exemption from a terrible annoyance we Scrantonians have suffered from this summer, a state of siege from millions upon millions of mosquetoes. This last was the first summer that we have at our house experienced any serious annoyance from that pest, but this year they have been almost unendurable.

Our people are all well as far as I know. I think none of them have received anything from you for more than a year before your letter to me. They would be glad to hear from you. We have had a long, warm and remarkable dry summer here exceeding in those respects any summer since my remembrance. Up to this 9th day of Nov the weather has been mostly pleasant and no post of any account.

Let me hear from you soon again.

Truly Your Brother

George