April 8, 1871 Asa Hutchinson to John Benjamin-1823

St. Peter, Minn

April 8^th, 1871

Dear Dr.,

We had a delightful shower this morning and all nature smiles.  Oh how hot it has been in the last few days. 

I write to know how you are all getting along and whether you have been over to Hassan farm since we left.  I have worried since I left H. farm hearing the talk of John S. Melvin about Mrs. S____.  I wish you would go over and look the stock, etc. over.   See how Mr. Case is getting along and how much milk, eggs, etc. they need in the farm etc.,  and I do want to think that honest things are being done.  If not, I shall come immediately home and stay by the stuff.  The times are hard and we can’t make much this weather, and if things are not completely managed we must come home and never leave again. 

I have ordered 500 shade trees, elm and maple, and they will be sent out soon.  I wish you would help set them out when they come following the fence from our house to town and turning down to the river from one to two rods apart.  Then help set 50 monsoon spruce in symmetrical order in front of our house.  They will come later.   Our young __ ought to bring $400 each.  They are selling for $500 in Minneapolis. 

I will write you again before long .

Please write me at Albert Lea by next mail telling me all the niceties. 

Love to your family.

Yours truly,

Asa B. Hutchinson