Bowling Green K.Y. March 3rd 1856

Dear Brother John,

I expected to have been in Ills. before this time but the winter has
been so severe that the boats could not run but we are expecting a
boat every day now so I think we will leave the last of this week
for Ills. and if we have luck we will be there in four or five days
from the time we start. I expected that you would have written
to me before now but I suppose you were expecting me there
long before this. when I get there I want to buy about 4 good mares
and a two horse wagon so I want you to notice if you see any such for
sale before I get there so that I can have some idea where to go to get
such as I will have but little time to look around before plowing time. I
also have a verry fine Jack which I expect to stand there this season
you may tell all you see that wants to breed to a good Ky Jack that he
will be there This leaves all well yours in haste

W.C. Butler