Shelby City, KY
Aug the 30th /76

A. A. Dalton Esq
McDowell, NC

Dear Sir,

Your favor was received a few days since stating you were all well which was very gratifying. You stated something conserning the Bald Mountain land and I dont know what to say in regard to it, for I thought that land was sold long ago & the proceeds gone to the devil. If that land belongs to the heirs it will have to be rented out until all of the children becomes of age & then divide it or sell it & divide the proceeds. That is all I know to say about it.

Our family is all well. Willie and Jimmie is going to school. Johnnie and Henry keeps things lively about the house by dragging the cats over the floor by the tail.

We have the best crops this year I ever saw. People will make more corn than they know what to do with.

What has become of Will Ledbetter? This is four or five times I have written to know about him & no answer yet. How is Mrs. Nanney's family and how is "Miss H. is she married & how many children has she?" How is Uncle Bill Garrison's folks all of them, How is Uncle Tom Elliott's folks? These are parties that I never can hear from. Write soon & answer my letters and ablige.

Yours and C
Wm. Murphy