My dear son:
We have your letter of first inst. And am glad to her that John is better. I was waiting to hear from Dr. Black before arranging to go down to see him. If he had had Typhoid fever, with a temperature such as he had the trip might have been very damaging to him. I hope he is all right, or will be soon.
I cannot say what the outcome of the iron matter will be. Mr. Eckman found the ore no better than he expected. The black ore on North side of Mountain – the first sample he took ran up to Nearly 54% of iron, and manganese not too high. …He says they are vey good ones indeed, and he wants 3,000 tons per month, but I do not know how we can manage it. Mr. Swain has been coming down every week for two months but not here yet.
I send by same mail a specimen of the paint rock. Send me what you find in it. I presume it is about a 44% ore with about 10 or 18 % of silver. I have never had it analyzed, however.
Enclosed find a formula for the spring.
I have been quite busy lately, but don’t see much money in my work.
Sallie and Lizzie are having a right hard time of it now. No cook for several months.
Tell Harvey, it is about time he was reporting home for the winter. Kent and Mary are well, so the rest of the family.
Tell Aunt Nell I am glad she has charge of John and hope she will control him. He is so headstrong that when he is better may take a notion that he’s well. All send love, etc.
Affectionately,
Jno. S. Apperson