.NTI.MTMxMg

one of my favorites, you know. I missed your (?) on (?) upper part. I have been down, since meeting with your mother to carry a mackerel for grandmother Long, who has a poor appetite and thinks she can eat that.

     You must try to persuade your uncle Lucius to buy some things at your Store.  I did expect a letter from you last week, a little.  I shall not find any fault if you don't write

much, because you have so much writing (?) as (?)desk. Pleased as I am, always, to receive your letters, I would rather forego (?) pleasure, than that you should write when you are tired, when you need rest. You must take care, especial care, I repeat it, and you must mind me in this particular, not to overdo yourself at the desk. I care not how much labor you can perform for the Store, the more the better, if it does not at all injure your health. It is new for you to be confined so steadily to such duties, and it may be, that it will not agree with you- it does not with every one. See to it, and if you feel any lameness, or soreness across your lungs, or stomaches you must attend to something else. Don't fail, in your (?), to tell me first how it is with you. Your appetite, your weight, and particularly whether you feel entirely well about your chest. The call is Good afternoon "Father, come to tea."

                                                 Z. Long