Jacksonville, Fla., 2/15/'17.

My Dear Sister --

[Perhaps] you have heard of the cold snap that hit Florida a few days ago. It cost the state a bit of money in groves and truck farms. The groves in our section may not be killed. I hope not but [if] such should [prove] to be the case the town is as good as dead. [It's] most there now. I am about 200 miles north and it was cold enough here to break water pipes on the boat.

I think I can get Art on the boat too so I will not leave it until later. If I get no summons from the gov. regarding my application I will try and get up your way. The folks made such a [holler] about me going up in the cold that I decided to [postpone] it and as the time spent here on the boat helps out

in getting on with the gov. I think it best.

If I could get up there I think I would be able to help you. I think that the quicker you leave Geo the better. It is all very well to be considerate of others and as I am somewhat unfamiliar with the state of things, any more than what I gather from your letters regarding George's unbalanced mind I do not like to be influencing you toward steps which might lead him to take his life. That is only human. However Geo. is nothing to me while you are. Now don't you think that your association with him could be broken off without any [disastrous] results? I do not see where you owe him the sacrifice of the best days of your life. This may not be reasoning like our [Savior] would have done but my [method] is fair exchanges[.] Any man that will abuse a sick wife [is] a poor excuse for a man. An unhappy marriage is the key

to [gehenna]. The sooner you break the better for both. I doubt if there will be regrets on [either] side. Look at it from a business point of view. Will you not both be benefited by it? I think you will. I believe we have a good thing on the farm and think you will be interested in it. The Folks will soon need someone around to look after things. I do not feel like letting go of a good thing but I have my doubts as to success under the management that is to be expected, judging from past [experiences]. Do you follow me[?] If you think you would like it here you would [certainly] be [welcome], if not there will be something else. Think it over.

You say [Mother's] letters applaud me - I think she is not very [partial] with her praise. I [haven't] done anything out of the ordinary. Very little at all in fact. I have tried but that's about all.

Let me hear of [anything] of [interest]. It would be better to have patched up your [difficulties] but you are not [too] old to

start again. The sooner the better for I fear that the contact with your surroundings would sour even my nature in a much less time than it has yours. We can make some arrangement I am sure. [Here's] [hoping].

Best Wishes from your Bro.
"Al."

P.S. Am feeling better than I have for years and gaining weight.

AKB
U.S.E.D. Barnard.