My dearest Mother,

Your letter of May 17^th reached me on June 3^rd, so it was pretty prompt. A letter posted first thing Monday morning ought to reach me on Saturday, and similarly one posted on Friday should get here by the following Wednesday; but I think it is safer to allow another day; and even then, I do not think one can be really sure of it. So the stove and preserves are actually on their way. I shall await them with great expectation. Last week I sank a packing case 2 feet square & 2 feet deep under my shack, which makes quite a convenient cellar. By the way, you had better send me the way-bill for the goods; as it makes it easier to get them at the station.

We had quite a time at the opening of the Alluvia school at Buffalo on Friday evening. There must have been 150 people there from all parts of the country. And you'd be surprised to see how nice the girls looked in their best frocks.

It rained steadily the greater part of last week, just the time it would do the most good, so we were all very glad to see it. Yesterday it looked pretty black & drizzled a good part of the day, and I looked for small congregations. However, the people turned out as well as ever, and in the evening I had the largest attendance yet at Zealandia, 61 people, most young men. Suppose you will be having a great time to-day with the election. I would like to be there. Must close now, with best love to all.

Calvin McQuesten