64 LETTER-FILES OF S. W. JOHNSON 



If money was the only thing to be thought of, I should 

 not hesitate to decide that as the best course. If I go 

 with a view of making money, I should be obliged to 

 go to some new part of the country where anything like 

 decent society would be out of the question. The pleas- 

 antest thing I can think of would be something like the 

 operation you and I once talked of on ''Uncle Abner's" 

 flats. What w^ould you suggest as best for us to do? 

 July 27. "Uncle Abner" and Esther have just been here 

 and brought your June letter which he has just received. 

 He says he intends to enable you to remain 3 years at least. 

 . . . Rather than have you fail of your plans, I shall, if pros- 

 pered, assist you some myself, so go ahead, lay out the ground 

 work large for a big edifice and do not trouble your head 

 about the money, for I believe it will be forthcoming. — We 

 can hardly be reconciled to have you stay away so long ! — . . . 

 Your friend and Brother, J. C. Easton. 



(A. A. J. TO S. W. J.) 



Deer River, Octr. 4th, 1854. 



Dear Son, — . . . Now Samuel, w^rite once a month and 

 I will willingly pay $1.20 postage, or more, yearly. It seems 

 a great while since you left, now nearly 18 months, and to 

 think of 18 months more that you wish to stay ! What changes 

 may take place is known only to Him who knows all. . . . 



I forked over $293. today to A. S. Goodrich the blind man, 

 for a pianoforte. It is put up at J. C. Easton 's and Esther 

 is performing on it. The railroad companies have stopped 

 work in these parts. The Utica Co. will complete the road 

 to Booneville before doing anything this side. Money is 

 scarce, they cannot sell their bonds, and all the stockholders 

 have not paid all the calls. I have paid 7 installments of 10 

 pr. ct. each on $400. — am glad I took no more stock, $120 

 will finish my liabilities and if I lose all, can get along a 

 while. Our love to you. 



