65-04-9a April the 9 1865 written by B. H. & M. Z. Damrell probably written to Eliza Damrell, E & A Damrell & Ninian Bealls Dear Relations when I say relations I mean you all there are so many of you I cant write letters to you all. I was truely glad to here from you all once move. We received a letter from Lizzie a few days ago. We was glad to heare that you was all well what was left of you but very sorry to hear of Tommy departure so far from home. I hope he was decently laid in his tomb. I pray that God will bless his poor keedy soul. I hope I shall be able to meet him beyond this vale of tears and all of my friends that yet a wait the tomb. Lizzie you know our old Fathers troubles are numerous. We ought to befound praing every day for those old gray hairs that will soon be laid in the grave. May God help us to pray for the poor old Soul. let us bare part of his troubles heare on this earth. I should be very proud to see his face once more while we live. tell him If he can get to Oregon I will give him a good house and a ten acre lot in the village where I live. I am tolerable poor but I am able to do that. Lizzie if you and Martha will assist him in getting through I will give you & her Between you a good Melodeon. we have the best of Society without a dout. there is nothing lacking here. we have evrything hart can wish, if we strive a litte to get it. I live in hasing of the Steam Boats Ships land at Portland. twice a week from San Francisco which is about a days ride on horse back from where I live. I live 10 miles from Salem, the capitol of the State. They have foundrys & factorys of all disscriptions, jails, penitentiary, state fair ground, Colledges, institutes, every thing you can think of. We have the largest church bell you ever saw in Portland. it weighes 100050. it was presented by a member of the Presbyterian Church. It cost 4,000 (hard to read)dollars laid down on the way from N. Y. I want you all to come when you can see something. I have sent to Portland to find out nearly exactly the cost of a family like fathers from Hannibal Mo to Portland ogn on a steamer which I will send in my next letter and that is the best & safest way to come and the cheapest. Well I will let you what I have mad this winter & what I have been doing. I have Been Stocking plows the most of the time. I have made nearly 300 dollars in 4 months. wheat is 1.40 per bushel, oats 75. Sheep 300. Cows no 1 20 bacon this Spring 22 cts last 8 to 15. Lizzie left out all of these prices. Potatoes I bought 10 bushel for my seed which I gave 1.25 cts per bushel. green aples 50 cts per bushel. I want whoever writs to me to give me the partickulars in full & the Children what they are doing and what they have to talk about and give me the date Thomas went in the service and when he died and draw off our old family second off of the Bible & send it to me. This has been a backward spring but the wether is beautiful at present hasent Been fed any this winter . I want you all to write a long ,Be so saving of your ink and . Lizzie mentioned that she would expect from me but all ask of her is to hush and sit down & write me 5 or 6 and then if comes growi... I will answer all that wishes my crespondents. Robert & Cynthis are well & doing very well. They live in 16 mi of Portland. Their Post office address is Hillsborough, Washington Co, Oregon. I believe that is all at the present. But N. B. there is plenty of time and papir. no exucses whatever let paw not to slite his oldest entirely if he pleases. pass this to grandpaw & maw and all wishes to see it. Give our best. love to all. B. H. & M. Z. Damrell