Laurence and Adolph: At the Ranch Jan. 30th, 1869.
Since you have left here, I haven't been to Springville but I have seen several men and they say we have undoubtedly got a new County and Springville will I guess be the County Seat. I judge so by the improvements going up. Since you left two work shops and one store house has been put and there is talk of two more store houses and two groceries and a tenpin alley and dwellings will start up shortly if it is so we will have a respectable looking town, and our land will go like hot cakes. We have declined the idea of selling the rock pile land. We have had several to speak to us about buying. We will raise a ben on our lands in this section. I will go to town in the morning and see about our cotton. Forbis , the man who took it to Jefferson, will be back today; it will bring a good price. The ginner here says it was the best cotton he had ginned this season. We are through clearing and splitting rails and have them all hauled around our farm. We will soon be ready for ploughing. We have rented a part of the Menasco Farm. Youin's left too soon. We had an invitation to a party on Lake Fork a day or two after you left. Eugene and I went and we shuffled it off till day. Eugene found his gal; that is, the gal found him--Sall. Carr--says she will have him or die. That is the word she sent him. Eugene says she will have to die. Poor thing. Robert Cook married Miss Lou Rains last week. We had an invitation, but didn't go. We made it pay better by splitting rails. I haven't seen my gal for some time. I will call on the Critter tomorrow. We have now a cow and calf and two of Julia’s will have calves shortly. Two sows and pigs and probably three. We have no chills now, not since your departure. Write soon and send some papers. Yours C.J. Taylor
