London, Mo. Feb. 19th 1878Dearest Mother.
Your letter of the 11th came two days since and I hasten to reply though in regard to the project for Lillie I have not had time to think much.
In the first place I do not know anything about Holidaysburg school but if you there [?] do that is sufficient.
I strongly advised Lillie not to go to Holyoke in the Fall and then just as strongly urged her to come home when she did. And to stay at home and rest till Fall. I still think it would be much best and safest for her to stay at home till Fall. She may seem well enough now but I know by experience how long it takes for a worn out head and back to recuperate. If she goes off to school this spring in all probability her head will be aching[.] Then she will drag along till vacation the hot weather will fail to rest her as it was last Summer and when she goes in the Fall it will be this last Falls experience over again like as not. You will likely think her not having to work will make a great difference. True but it is the study after all that uses up the head. She came home to rest and now I think she ought to do it. She might be able to take a couple of studies there at home this Spring rest at the same time & save the expense and then go next year. If she can graduate all well but it will not pay to strain to reach it. The knowledge and not the hollow name of graduate is what she wants. About the money. I have yet seventy five dollars which she is to have and if necessary I will add $25.00 or $50.00 to it. I am pretty sure Calvin will give her some.
Please write soon as possible and tell me what you decide on and how soon it will be necessary for me to send on any money. I have invested most of mine & expect to buy some more stock but will save out enough until I hear from you.
I am getting along nicely. Am very busy this beautiful weather looking after my stock. Making over a wagon planning about mowing & for the coming season. Hauling corn etc. Though it is not very hard work. We expect to mow and get in better shape next week.
Wednesday eve 20th
Another day has gone. It has been a busy one with me & I have accomplished considerable.
Partly to get the man who is now on the place we rented away in good time & partly because I wanted to, I have bought from him about 600 bu of corn & 40 head of hogs. He had 120 in all & I was to have final pick & this forenoon I went over & picked them out. I have now 97 head of hogs. Some of them are small. I want to have about 20 ready for market in June & hope to raise from 100 to 200 pigs this Summer. I have 10 good heifers coming 2 yrs old & 2 coming one yr old and lately [a] neighbor & I bought a splendid fine young bull for quite a low price. So you see I am going into stock somewhat.
I do not think our preacher will stay with us beyond April 1st[.] He is a failure so far as this place is concerned. And yet this is a splendid field for work. Wonder if Rob could make it go here. I have a notion to look a little into the idea of having him come out here for the Summer.
Please say to Lillie that I am tired this evening & time is going and so I'll ask her to excuse me from sending her a letter this time.
With much love
Your affectionate son
J. L. Mateer