72-03-24  Buckeye Yolo Co Cal March 24 1872 to E & A Damrell from EENorton

Dear Grand Father & Mother
After some neglect of time I will answer you kind letter which was gladly 
received.                        
We are always glad to get a letter from you.  it seems like old time it seams 
some times to me that it has bin so long ago since I saw you that I can hardly 
recall it and other time, like a short time ago it will soon be nine years.  
Oh! that I could see once more while on earth. but if I neve I hope to meet 
you beyound this vale of tears.  It costs so much to go on the cars. but if 
you live and I do I will come to see you. the two last year we did not rais 
much crop.  we have a fine prospect for a crop this year.  We have had a vary 
wet winter but warm.  the wheat is nearly knee high now.
I got a lette from Pa not long ago  Ma is well.  better health than common. 
the rest of the family well.  It will soon be six months since I saw them.  I 
think that a long time.  Augustus lives twelve miles from me.  he came often 
to see me.  you would not know him   he does not look like he used to.  he 
weighs 195 pounds though he is not flesy he is vary Tall.  I am not fleshy 
like I was when I left MO.  my health is good.  I have two boys.  One is six 
years old and the other 3 year old.  they both favor John, black eye and black 
hair.  I will send our Picture this summer.  John is big and Fleshy.  He 
weighs 170 ponds           
Flora Canterbury is maried and has twin boys.  they were well when last heard 
from.                            
What has become of Mary Beall.  I have not heard from her for along time.  
March 21.  well grand Ma I did not finish this letter so I will write some 
more.  I have had the tooth ache since I commensed this letter. I am looseing 
my teeth vary fast.  I have had four taken out and ought to have as many more 
taken out but I am such a coward I can hardly bear the toughts of it.  I have 
Paid $45 dollars for fixing my teeth since I have bin in this Country but 
still they ache.  Well Grand Ma I have a sewing mashine.  John paid 75 dollars 
for it.  I will send you some of the sewing I have done with it.  I can quilt 
with it.  I have bin peacing quilts this winter.  I have made a good many 
quilts since I have bin here.
I raise a great many chickens and ducks every year to sell.  I can get nearly 
every thing I want egges in the fall and winter is worth from 50 to 60 cts per 
dozzen.  hens now is worth 7 dollars per dozzen.  I raised last year 80 
dollars worth of Turkeys.
The Children has bin out gathering wild flowers to make flower pots.
I must bring my letter to a close excouse this short letter for my hand 
trembles.  I have had the trembles all day and do not fell much like writing 
give our love to all enquiring friends and good share for your selves.  Father 
& Mother Norton send their love and best wishes to you.  I remain your most 
effecttionate grand Daughter, Till Death write soon  Eliza E. Norton.