This transcription was created by the Harvard-Diggins Library
from original document held by MHS (#SC 1274)

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Keams Canon, Arizona
Jan 12, 1898 [dated /97]

My own true loving little wife,

I received three letters from you & glad to hear from you. You shouldn't scold me because the money don’t get to you in time. I wrote to uncle Ed’s office to send you a check for $25.00 and they wrote to me that they had sent you $25.00. If you haven’t received it yet you had better write them and ask them what date it was they sent it, and if it is lost will they will send another. If it is lost, no one can cash it but you. I also wrote Thurber to send you $24.92. $4.92 for your mother & $20.00 for you.

You will have to get stamps in Rockford, my dear, as I am 14 miles

(2) Missing? (3?)

send direct to a news dealer and get the one I want. If I had to give teas like Will does to get orders I wouldn’t paint portraits. Think I will make more money every year hereafter then he does.

Mr. Keams has an Indian store at Keams Canyon 11 miles from here. He has been there for 18 years.

I have finished the 3rd Snake Dancer picture and tomorrow start to finish the little girl holding a little wooden Katchina or God in her hand, which will be my 22nd picture.

I’m sorry your father hurt himself so badly and I hope he will be well soon. Yes, I’m going to Ft. (4?) Sill as soon as can, but I will probably be here two more months. I want to paint a Moqui girl in her queer wedding costume. They have a regular ceremony, give presents, etc. At a wedding, the girl does the asking, when she wants to get married, and she furnishes a home.

Well, I must close as am tired & sleepy. Good night, darling. Your own true loving husband.

Lots of love, hugs & kisses,

Elbridge

P.S. Yes, you addressed your letters all right. Give my love to your folks. If you write to Uncle Ed address to E. E. Ayer, Old Colony Bldg, 9th floor, Chicago, Ills.