John if he sold the chr [?] but I am surprised and so is Alex he never writes. I do not think I have ever gaven him any reason or yet has Alex as far as I know. There is no use in me keeping up a correspondence if I do not get a reply besides I never heard from you since you left but that of course is not your fault but the misfortune that befell you by losing your health but I trust God will have restored it and that he may keep you among us for a patron and adviser for many years. Please answer this so that I may know you have received it and let us no particular how you health is. If I could be allowed to advise I think if you were to get your affairs in proper order you ought to get leave of absence for 2 years or 18 mos and go home and try and recrute again, leave off all your cares and troubles for a while but I supose your nature will be somewhat like my own that way to much anxiety will not let you take the world like other people.