69-12-08 Buckeye  Yolo County California  Dec the 8th 1869  from Eliza Lizzie 
Norton  to A & E Damrell
                                 
Dear Grand Father & Mother    I once more seat my self to write you a few 
lines in answer to your letter which came to hand about six weeks ago, wich I 
delayed answering for several reasons.  We expected Robbert & Synthee 
Henderson here from Oregon every day.  they landed safe the 17th day of 
November.  He has rented a place close by Pa about one mile and I think he 
will do vary well.  Sister Alice is vary low with the fever.  She has bin bed 
fast over three weeks.  I have bin waiting for her to get better be fore I 
would write .  I was there last Sunday.   She was some better I think though 
she mend very slow.
Ma is not vary well she has nearly wore her self out a waiting on Alice.  the 
rest of the family is well.  Pa is getting along very well crop so far.  he 
will get done plowing and sowing before Christmas, we had vary early rain this 
year.  the early sowed wheat is ripe and covered the grain.  This is a 
beautifull Country when every thing is green.  I supose you are all around a 
big log fire now, and every thing froze hard.  some times we have a little ice 
and the ground froze a little but not often.  This Country agrees with John. 
He weighs more than he every did in his life.  He weighs 165 pounds.  I don't 
weigh so much as I did in Mo though.  my health genarely is vary good.  Well 
grand Ma I thought I would have my baby's Picture to send to you but I had no 
chance to get it take.  He is 9 months old.  He looks vary much like Sammy.  I 
heard from old man Browns folks that used to live on the Ranch by you.  they 
are making a living.  Mary Ann has five children and Betty has five also.  
They are doing well in that line.  Old Uncle Billie Norton lives about ten 
mile from us.  he has 8 children.  Uncle Washington Canterbury has sued Aunt 
Polly for a divors I think it vary doubtfull wheather he will get it or not.  
I believe I have wrote you all the news so far as I know.  you must excuse 
this poorly writen letter for I had to rock the cradle and write.  the babie 
is not very well.  he is cuting teeth.  Father & Mother Norton send their best 
respects to you.  Our love to all inquiring friends and a thousand good wishes 
for yourselves.
Pa told you in is letter where Ben Damerel was.  Robt Hendson address is 
Buckeye California.  This leaves us all well and hoping to here from you soon. 
no more.  good night, Eliza Lizzie Norton.    It is raining tonight.