Jacksonville Fla 3/19/'17.

Mrs Merie Rieck -

Dear Sis.-

I am afraid that this epistle will be short. I have reconsidered my suggestions regarding your position and rather look at it in the same light as you do. Yet is not your happiness of greater importance than the amount of things to be gained by [continuing] in the same old rut. It is a [serious] question. I am not a quitter once I start a thing and would like to see you stick it out but were I in your position I believe I would throw the weight of the decision in favor of the future. There is no need of rashness but rather than submit to the whims and demands of a human who is inhuman I think

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it [advisable] to be on the safe side. As long as Geo. is rational I do not believe you are in danger of any physical [violence] for I know that your will will cower his. But with the help of hard cider and such is there any danger of him [becoming] [violent]? Not being a man of much backbone I think you can hold your own. I will try and get up before the winter sets in and [perhaps] can arrange a settlement of some sort. Suppose you try and stick it out that long. Can you go ahead and do as you said you had asked him. I mean about the couple of acres to farm? It will keep your mind occupied and give you a profit besides go about it in your own way. [Don't] bother him unless necessary. Ask him to let you alone. Don't suppose you can make it work but [perhaps]

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if you change your tactics and go about it in a quiet [business] like way he may listen to reason. If not [I'll] force some kind of a settlement when I arrive. We do not need you here, that is we can manage very well without you. Art is aboard the boat with me[.] I have changed my [rating] and we should be in the clear in a couple months if things don't go [wrong].

Don't fail to consult me about your [interests]. There is a lot to be gained by Diplomacy if worked properly, tho[sic] I fear Geo. is [too] emotional to get much out of. I know his type. Ellsworth may be able to help you. I believe I have rambled around in this letter, can't seem to make myself plain as I have been interrupted several

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times. Hope you can make sense out of it.

It is now late so will say good night. [Hoping] for something to turnup[sic] and ease the position in which you are placed and with your best [interests] at heart I am the same [loving] brother.   Ans soon.

Al. Knox