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Minneapolis,
April 4th, 1857
Dear Mother,
Your letter of (_____)came duly to hand. I am at a loss to know how to advise you in reference to your coming out to Minnesota. I would like to see you, and nothing would give me more pleasure than to have you living with us the balance of your days, but still I think the journey would be too much for your feeble state, and our winters too severe for a person of your age and shattered constitution, and upon the whole I think I will be compelled to say no, but nevertheless if you should make up your mind to come I will make you as comfortable as the circumstances here will admit. It is needless to say that you are welcome to our prairie home. I am in some difficulty in money matters in this manner.
When I left Philadelphia I owed a mortgage of Seventeen Hundred dollars on my property in West Philadelphia, due this spring. I had one of he same amount due me in Bristleton with which I intended to pay it, and now I am informed by Mr. Davis the money in Bristleton will not be paid this spring and that the mortgage in West Philadelphia he thinks will have to be paid.
My money here is all invested with the exception of Seven Hundred Dollars that I have in hand. I have written to Mr. Davis to borrow $1,000. If he can and I will send him a draft for the balance. I am in hopes that he will be able to get the money as he can offer property of mine to the amount of Six Thousand Dollars as security. I wish you would state the case to Arthur and ask him if he can help me out, and if he cannot, ask him to assist Mr. Davis among my friends to do it. I will appreciate the kindness.
I will not be able at present under these circumstances to pay you for your warrant, but I will in the course of a month or two, and I hope you will not part with it, I can obtain one here but I am desirous of having yours as it is the bounty land of my Father and I hope to hand it down to my family.
We are all well and I am busy preparing for spring operations. I am fencing 100 acres of land with post and rail fence. I have hauled this winter 3000 rails and 1000 posts so you see I have been busy at work. I think I the fall next I will visit you and will write frequently, so keep up your spirits and consider that you have learned us all to take care of ourselves and that we are not unmindfull of your teachings.
You will observe that this is not my hand write. I have written thus thinking it would be read by you with more ease.
Please tell Ell that I consider a letter to you one to you all and that she must take no offense at me not writing to her as my time is limited but still I have a heart big enough for you all.
Remember me to all the family and friends.
Your son, R.E.Grimshaw
Murrays are all well.