Mr. McQuesten, Dear Sir, I received your letter a short time ago¹ also the $25 we have had quite a time about mail on account of the river but hope there wont be any difficulty now I have everything here to build your house with I haven't been able to get the sod ploughed for your stable for it has been frosted up since before I received your letter hoping it would thaw out but if I cant get it built before you get here we will place some poles up against the house and cover them with straw or hay to do until I can get it built hoping this will be satisfactory we are having nice weather but frosty. I will close wishing you a merry Xmas & a Happy New Year. I remain your Friend,

A. Finley

¹ This letter was written without punctuation.