Logan, Utah, Nov. 13, 1883

Dear Sister Jenny,

Your letter of Aug 27 from the Tyrol, Austria has been in my pocket Book, until I should answer it and now I see that I am late, for you are perhaps now looking for this.  We were very glad to hear that although you have a Roman complaint, you were having a good time and enjoying yourself, cannot your Family undertake the tour of America, and when in this part you conclude that you have had enough travel for awhile—but then surely you are able by this time to have laid by about 15 and I think that would bring you here in 19 days from Liverpool.  We are about 4 or 5 thousand feet above sea level and a climate something like you have been in, hot and cold, and the snow is now half way down the mountains, and will be some on the mountains until next July.  One of my neighbors left for England last month.  John was 20 years old on the 2nd of this month and we gave him a pair of horses.  He is now gone for a weeks deer hunt in the mountains of Idaho, Annie has been here to school one quarter and the next quarter is going to the Academy or High School.  The Boys have been attending to our Butter & Egg business & the farm in Newton—we had about 200 Bus of grain and plenty of small fruit.  I have been working here in Logan at Z.C.M.I. and have attended to about 3 acres of vegetable garden also, vegetables for our own use and to sell.  My wages are 60$ a month—and I go home nearly every Sunday—12 miles—You need not give up thoughts of a home of your own for this is the best country in the world for a woman to get a good virtuous husband.  The last girl's name is Bessie Ella and the boys are spoiling her with their rowdyism.  I expect to sell my property in Logan & use the means to fence and improve in Newton where we now have our farm all in one piece of about 250 acres.  All are well Susan getting very heavy & fleshy & not able to do as much work.  John is going to be a 6 footer Annie gaining in flesh & strength, and, well you should just drop in about the time I get home on Saturday night & I believe you would feel at home once more—come and try for this is the most free country in the world.
                                             Your Affectionate Brother
                                                                J. H. Barker