RKBP-1013

SHEARMAN'S ROCKFORD NURSERY. J.S. SHEARMAN, Proprietor. General Dealer in and Propagator of Fruit and Ornamental Trees, CHOICE NATIVE AND FOREIGN GRAPES, Green House and Bedding Plants, Shrubbery, &c.

Rockford, Ill., July 21st 1861

Dr. John A

Dear Sir

Your letter of recent date should have been answered several days ago But this it has not on the account of a great hurry am exceedingly sorry to hear of your misfortune in [stumptail] & failures of Banker &c, am sorry to learn the [hibiscus] turned out poorly sent to different parties & heard no complaint were packed by a skillful man may have been heated by the maple seed Our company Grapes are doing finely several Hundred 2 or 3 I should think some have 2 feet of wood from 2 inches to 2 feet enclosed please find statement of affairs in enclosed bill am commencing harvest wheat is a lighter crop

on the account of the drouth in June & later pack of May Nursery stock seems to be doing finely the worms eat some of the maples but the intense drouth done more Yet I have a great many I saved 10 bushels seed & it has done pretty well, sell all you can & get them of me & all kinds of Grapes Rebecca & Concord I have in abundance come up & see me & all of the things My Grapery is full of Grapes of fine quality or will be fine when ripe. Mrs S is well & would be [remembered] to Dr. K & family

Yours in Haste

J S Shearman

Dr. John A Kennicot West Northfield Cook, Co Ill