Topeka Apr. 8, 1881.



My Dear Mother:



I received Katie's letter today and was glad to hear from you once more, I wrote you and Katie

several letters las fall but I have not received any thing from Katie for several months.  The

weather here has been very cold this winter and the spring has been very [?].  I have been in hopes

that I should be able to do something on Katie's building this winter but the weather has been such

that I have not done any thing.  Two weeks ago I borrowed for Katie $8.00. but I have not been

able to get the cellar dry.



I would like to see you very much indeed but if I go ahead with Katie's building I cannot leave

here very long at a time. If the building was finished I do not see why I could not [come home?]

for some time and stay with you.  I am getting along pretty well now. The business [?] to Katie's

[?at] occupies most of my time but I am hopes to get through with it before long.  [?] it out for

Katie one of the finest buildings in the city.  I am troubled about renting it as several want it

already and I do not know what kind of tenants we want.



I hope you are enjoying yourself this winter.  I have thought of you continually and have [?][?] I

would see you before long.  Had I known what a cold time we should have this spring I would

have gone [?] this winter.  I hope you have every thing you want.  If I can [?] get Katie's building

finished she will have a very big income that she can use for her comfort and yours.  I will try and

write to you [oftener?]



Your affectionate Boy Charlie.