My dear cousin Calvin,

That nice photo of yourself came last week. The face indicates an increasing rotundity of body and that adds to the good looks of men. I wish I had twenty five or thirty pounds more than now but it seems to be going the other way. Do you remember what Sir John Falstaff said to the man who disparaged him on account of his diamiter [sic]? A sharp tongued old lady of this neighbourhood once characterized a more shadowy fellow than I as an old famine and a rennet skin, which was somewhat impolite as the man could add an inch to his girth or a cubit to his stature. After you get to be a minister, or before, I hope the people who worship in the old Synod meeting house, the building your grandfathers may have helped to build, may have the pleasure of listening to sermons from you, not that there are many people here who know much about you, but it would be such a wonder to see and hear a McQuesten in a pulpit! You know the McQ.'s are not alike in all respects.

We have been about as usual the past winter. Lucia's rheumatism stays much to our disgust and discontent. I have been very well for an old man and have got something of a start into the spring's work. The season is very early and we are looking for frost, but hope to escape it.

When you get ready to settle down to business and before that, let us hear from you and yours. Lucia joins in love to yourself and the family.

Your very truly

John K. McQuesten