Athens, O. U. Apr. 6th, 1872

Dear Sister Rose,

I received your letter a few days ago, also a Money Order yesterday for $20. Presuming that Wm. sent it (although he did not deign to write even a line in the letter), and that it cost 20 cts., I enclose that amount for him. If it did not cost quite so much, he may keep the remainder as interest. On the Order I saw a Mr. Randall's name beneath that of the Postmaster. I did not know Randall was in Portsmouth, and I judge he has not forgotten me. He is a very fine young man, a good student, and studying, I understand, for the ministry.

You seemed to begin in an ill humor in your letter, because I indulged so freely in my criticisms; and yet you wound up with the request that if I saw anything more to criticise, to go ahead. Well, I haven't time to spend in doing so now, for this is Saturday afternoon, I have just finished the preparation of my Monday's lessons, and now is the only time I have for doing something towards preparation for Contest. I have been selected as one of the debaters, and although the question has been chosen, I have not yet had time to make any preparation. Since I wrote last, the Spring Term has begun. My grade for the Winter Term was 99. The next highest was 97, which was given to Richardson. I was sorry to find Wm. M'Kinley could not come here this spring. I received a letter from him a couple of days ago, and shall answer it soon.

You said you would send me a box. Well, I shall be thankful to receive it -- indeed, scarcely anything would give me so much pleasure. My living has been very slender, as I had to be economical, and it is really a treat to get something good from home. You can tell about as well as I can what will suit me best. A piece of meat (with no bones, if possible), would be as valuable as anything else. A loaf of bread, or a few biscuit, and such other things as you please. I wish you would put in the box a little black patent thread, with a needle for sewing on shirt buttons. Tell me when you send it, and in what way, I suppose by railroad -- and not by Express, will be the cheapest.

If Chris Wilson would like to write to me, her letters would be very acceptable indeed. I should really like to hear from her again. I received a letter from Ag. not long since. Nothing new, except that she intends to go to Blue Run next fall.

I believe I shall have to close for this time. So goodby. We have Quarterly Meeting here to-morrow, and I intend speaking to Elder See about getting me work for the summer. Kinnison preached his first sermon last Sunday.