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We have indeed had a joyous Christmas, for these men
are endowed with the spirit of the Lord and have much
to impart to us. They have neither silver nor gold but
that which is of greater value. John Gustaf was confirmed
here last spring and on that occasion Pastor Hasselquist
Was present.
Our circumstances are as happy as we could wish.
Together with Frederick and Charlotte we are renting a
large farm on such favorable terms that we could desire
nothing better. According to our agreement the owner
of the farm receives one-third of the wheat and corn crop,
the other two-thirds belonging to us. You can readily
understand that on such fruitful soil it is not difficult to
get ahead. The owner furnishes the house and is responsible
for the fencing, thus relieving us of that expense.
As I wrote in a former letter, I had purchased 163
acres of land which I was to pay for May 25th; but as
my money failed to reach me by that date, the deal did
not go through. This, however, is not to be regretted, as
prices are declining due to the severe panic. As things
are now, I could buy a farm twice as large for the same
amount. Interest rates are from 20 to 25 per cent per
year. On the recommendation of Pastor Hasselquist I
have deposited 800 dollars in a bank at Galesburg, which
I have the privilege of withdrawing on three months’
notice. The remainder of my money I keep at home so
that I may be in a position to take advantage of a good
opportunity to make a deal. But there is no need of
haste, because we intend to remain on the present farm
another year on the same terms.
There is such an abundance of pasturage and prairie
that we could have as many head of cattle as we could
desire. In spite of the fact that we have harvested hay,
grass reaches to the bellies of the grazing cattle.
Being beginners, we have only fourteen head of cattle and
four horses. Frederick and Charlotte own twelve head
of cattle, four horses, and twenty-four hogs. This winter
we have butchered four large hogs and a cow. This is
but a little compared to what the Americans butcher, but
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