Dear Mr. McQuesten,

I should have written to you long ago but I am troubled with that Put it off business! Well we are all well and are getting the finest weather this fall that I have ever seen in this country. Of course we get that gentle breeze from over the mountains sometimes. We had a bad snowstorm away back in the summer but have had no snow since.

Alfred and his wife started for the East a few days ago. They hope to see you before they come back, so you will have a chance to get all the news. We had Xmas service here today there was quite a good turnout. Mr. Tait is still here. He is in Macleod quite often. May be some attraction. Ask Alfred when you see him.

Sadie wrote to you some time ago. Since then she got a fall off a horse which came near being the death of her. She was unconscious for 5 or 6 hours and I can assure you I was in a fright untill [sic] the Dr. arrived, it was her head that was hurt but she was all right in a few days. They are still going to school at Waterton. Do you ever hear from Jeff Brown. I haven't heard from him for a long time. Poor Dennis is going to a crash as fast as he can Drinking and Gambling, he has hardly got a horse left.¹ The Butchers had a pretty good crop this year and are getting along fairly well. I often think I was in luck to have such good nabours [sic]. Charlie is working in Macleod and Kattie is in there also learning Dressmaking, all the others are at home.

O'Brien and wife are gone to the old sod for the winter. R. N. Wilson has gone East on a two months trip he is the same old R.N. The same outfit are still on the Reserve. Old Mrs. Hillier has just got back from a visit to the Wilsons at Medicine Hat. She is looking well.

Well I will have to stop for this time, the kids are all gassing around and I have forgotten half of what I meant to tell you. Did you get the letter I wrote you last winter. Do you see Mr. Scott often. We were sorry he had to leave here as he appears a very nice young man. I suppose you know Phil Sparling went to the Old Country and brought out the wife with him. She appears a very nice sensible little woman. Mrs. Walsh is still here but will be going on their place in the spring 80 miles east of Lacombe.

I think you ought to try and get back to spend another summer with us. It would seem like old times to have you back again. Well, I must wish you the compliments of the season, and with, kindest regards from all, I remain,

Your friend

E. McNeil

¹ Dennis was a man who gambled heavily and lost a number of his horses in the process. See W7678.