McFarland-Russell Letter, January 7, 1880 - Page 1

Newton Co Texas
Jan 7th 188[1?]

Mrs Kate C. Russell

Dear Sister

I recieved your
most welcome letter some time since, and I
had no paper until lately. Mr Smith has returned
safely, he had such a terrible time all along.
They started in a horse wagon, but when they
got as far as Waco, Martin & Wm Smith turned
back with the wagon, and Mr Smith & Joe [fon]
purchased horses and went on, I recieved
a nice present a Christmas present. Mr. Smith
bought me such a nice coat in Waco. Henry & Jonny
was so glad to see there Pa They [?] to go every
where with him now. Henry says tell Cecile & Mary
that Pa was Santa Clause, he sent him candy, [?]
and a dog knife, Mr Smith and the children
have very severe colds. Hery come very near hav
ing the [?], as good a thing for the [?] is Alumn
pulverized given in [?] on water [?]