Clotsville, Ala., Madison Co., Ala. Jan 17th, 1879 Dear Sister, I take my pen in hand to try to write you a few lines once more in answer to your much welcome letters which we recived in ten days after written. They did not find us well. I had been confined two weeks with chills and fevers and the worst cough you ever saw anyone have. I recon but was truly glad to hear that you and family were all up. I do not know that I can write anything that will interest you much. Our connections are all well as far as I know except brother George Brownlow I learn his health is very bad. You wish to know whether brother Soloman was in the country or not. He is not from the fact he failed to sell his land was all that hindered him from coming. He stayed with us two night about six weeks ago on his way to Huntsville and back. Sister Betsy had two daughter married last September. Our Billy has moved to Tennessee where he was to be married to live on his wife's father's land. Melville was married the 12th of December to Molly Love and bro't her home the same day. She is a great grandaughter of old father "Bille" Crutchers. They are living with us or we would be alone. Sister I would have written sooner I have been feeble I did not feel able and the weather has been so cold I have delaid longer than I would have done. We have the coldest for three weeks I most ever felt, it is now moderated some and like for rain also great deal of cloudy and wet weather. Time are hard in the country. Cotton low an corn scarce. Sister, I guess the reason you got our letters no sooner was on account of yellow fever. I thought the time long in getting yours. Supposed that was the case. Martha write me how much you weigh. On Sunday in Christmas, I weighed 97 pounds, Bob weighs 140 pounds. He gives you his best love and the children and says tell you he had rather see you than anyone now living. Write as soon as you get this as I desire to hear from you as often as i can what little time i have to live. Give my best love to all your children far and near. This leaves us and ourselves as well as usual. I never can expect to know how rite weel person feels anymore. Must come to a close as it Is near night. Excuse my scatter brain letter. I am your affectionate so long as life lasts. /s/ Frances W. Browning