Chuck Schading

Jan. 7, 1849

Dearest Martha,

I must be brief today, as I am afflicted with an unsavory but thankfully temporary condition. 

Doc Waters does not believe it to be dysentery but rather the result of foul vapors or spoiled meats at the inn. He prescribed a tonic that tasted quite unpleasant and appears to have momentarily made the situation worse, although he has assured me that the remedy is sound.

I must return to the outhouse now once again, a most unpleasant experience in this harsh Buffalo winter! (It is most vexing that the men find it humorous to fling the outhouse door open in the bitter cold as I sit there in agony. The rascals!)

Fondly, 

M.G. Jenkins

PS. I met with the stranger and gave him half of our expedition budget, as discussed. He sped away with great purpose! I am to meet him one week from today at daybreak, at the end of the longest dock in the harbor. Huzzah! Huzzah!