[Almost no punctuation in the letter, though it's usually pretty clear where sentences begin and end. I added all the paragraph breaks for ease of reading.]So. H. Falls May 21st 1889
Dear Bro
I feel as if I should like to hear how you was getting along this spring[.] We have had one of the very remarkable winters and this spring has been one as remarkable as the winter - warm and dry and it is about 3 weeks earlier than the season generally. How are you feeling this spring[?] I suppose this warm weather suits you better than the cold it does me[.]
I suppose you have just past another mile stone, 2 weeks ago to day.
Sunday
I can hardly realise that you are 81 yrs old - can you - time truly flies like a weavers shuttle - years seem most as short as the months did once[.] You are one of the oldest men in G[reenwich] I suppose[.] I suppose there are very few old men in G[.] There are 3 or 4 old men in our village about your age[.] And there are quite a number here born the same year that I was[,] one born April 1810 one June 17th one June 18th and my birth day 21[.] 3 of us within 4 days of each other. Then our honest Dea[.] Gaylords birth day comes in October and Mr Howard and Mr Moody and some others. I dont remember their names just now: I don't suppose this is a very interesting matter to you but is rare that you will find so many men in one town or village that were all born the same year that have lived to be 79 years old.
But I will change the subject and tell you something about myself[.] 2 weeks ago yesterday I was working for Mr Barney in his shop he wanted a bottom put into a dumpcart. (and next, to tell you how a person may be deceived sometimes) This body was shoved up to do some iron work[.] I wanted to let it down on to the EX to put the bottom in and so went around the front took out the shore to let it down on to the EX as I supposed and down it came[.] The forward end of the body stuck me on my right shoulder and went down my arm and gouged out for or fave places on my arm[,] took the flesh right out of my arm and knocked me onto my back in a hurry but it did not break any bones. It was almost a miracle that it did not break my arm.
Now for the deception, I just as much supposed that the wheels were on the EX all right as could be. But instead there were no wheels there, and the whole heft of the body came onto my arm. You will say how could I be so deceived but I was and so I must suffer for it. I have had a very sore arm but it is a little better now[.] Doctor says it will take a month to heal[.] Wife has had to dress it once in four hours until friday night[.] I stood it though the night without calling upon wife[.] I hope I shall be able to use it some this week.
I have not planted any thing in garden yet[.] Irving has broke up house keeping[.] Ida has gone home to Burlington Ct her home to spend the summer[.] Ida'[s] health has been very poor since the baby - 11 months old to day - was born. Irving comes over Sunday mornings and goes to meeting with us[.] I was up to Genia's last friday her family are all well[.] George P[...] was here yesterday[,] took dinner[,] staid about 3/4 of an hour[.] That is a long visit for him to make, he says the mothers and the babies are all doing well[.]
I began this Sunday. I will finish and start it towards Greenwich to day but now I want you should answer this right Off and tell us how you all are getting along also How Bro Lyman is this spring and all the news[.] Make out a full Letter as I have[.] I never got tired reading your letters yet[.] I am glad we are able to write to each other if we cannot see each other. All send love to all[.]
From your Bro
J. M. A-