p. 370

376-
[370]
1838.

to the new home in the spring, and it is one of the effects of the "Ginerals" folly which I most regret that I have not been able to furnish the means of enabling him to do so sooner.***

Our thermometer now-a-days stands about at zero--varying from +20 to -19, and it is singular how soon I have become accustomed to the extreme cold. When the thermometer is at -19 I get up in the morning, make my own bed, wash in cold water out of doors and yet feel no more inconvenience from cold than I did in Ohio. Sleighing is now good and probably will be for one or two months to come.

Remember me to Nancy and Phoebe. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal officially the day and year first above written:::

I.A. Lapham.

Notary Publick.

To D. Lapham.

(SEAL)

---------------

Milwaukee, Wis, March 1838.

Dear Brother.---

*** If you can collect any part of the $450. due me you will please apply one half towards the completion and furnishing of the house at home.

I wish you would let me know whether Michigan money can be used in Ohio without loss, especially paper of the Safety Fund Banks, or "Wild Cat" as it is here universally called. Does the Bank of Wisconsin (at Green Bay) pass current? This is about all the money I can procure here. All other funds are hoarded up [to] by merchants and others who have payments to make at the East.***

Since I wrote you I have again been engaged in making preliminary examinations with the level of the country between here and Rock river. It is now very probable that I shall have a job of locating and preparing for contract a portion of the line