A Dakota Homesteader Describes His Western Life: Laid My Claims On 320 Acres Of Government Lands, And I Think I Have Got Same As Good LandI Have 22 Acres Oats 3 Acres Corn Same Yankee Corn As They Call It Out HereAnd A Small House Framed House But I Have Not Got The House Finished Yet

(DAKOTA TERRITORY). ALS. 6pg. July 6, 1884. Koto, McPherson County Dakota. An autograph letter signed J.H. Chadwick to Finias Talcott: I would like to step in and have a little chat with you a few minutesI came out ere about the First of April, and laid my claims on 320 acres of Government Lands, and I think I have got same as good land as lies outas westI have planted a little of almost every thing and the crops look finely, all aroundI have 22 acres Oats 3 acres Corn same Yankee Corn as they call it out here. acre Potatos, 1 acre of flax, acre Onion, Acre R Bages, some watermelonevery thing isfinely, and it is a fine Country as I ever saw so far and nowI will tell you when I have got I have got 1of Oxena fine Bull, and a Fine Heffer came in next spring, and 2 as fine spring calves as you ever sawmy yearling BullI put me up a cheap stable to keep my stacks in, and a small house Framed house but I have not got the house finished yetso as we can live in it. I want you should let me have $3000.00 Dols three hundred Dolls so I can finish up my House, and get some coal to keep warm this winter. If you will let me have three hundred Dollars and take my note until I can raise up my homestead, I would like it very much. The letter has mailing folds and is in fine condition.