Letter from Ann Gilrye Muir to John Muir, 1861 Jan

503 [1861]Dear John We have received your letter from Madison. I was a little surprised to know you had left Prairie du Chin, as you did not say any thing about it. However I hope the change eill prove beneficial to you both as regards your health and education. I think you would be sorry to leave the family you boarded with on account of their kindness to you - but I hope it will be your lot to meet with kind friends at Madison too - friends that will do as they say. I am glad to know your health still improves - we are all well here. Our family begins to look small now since both you and Margaret have left us - her health is pretty good - but she thinks you are very long in answering her last letter - and the boys are beginning to think you have forgot them - but I expect you will give us all long letters after you feel settled in your new home, let us know what you intend to study and what your prospects are, if you intend to stay long at Madison. I feel anxious to know all about you. We have had a very busy winter. We have had two men most of the time, clearing and fencing, besides David and Danl, and the work is pretty well through, there was a great snow storm last week, and the snow is so deep that the girls cannot get to school, they have a very good teacher this winter, they have singing and prayer and a lesson in the testament every morning a thing very unusual in that school. Your Father attends four prayer meetings every week and they are pretty well attended, generally, your Father and all the rest joins me in love to you. hoping to hear from you soon. I remain your affectionate Mother 0025