Letter from "Rabbit John" Brooks

to his niece Alta Brooks in AR

Ford, N.C. Sept 9 = 1902

Miss Alta Brooks Dear Neace These lines leaves me yet in the land of the living though not well I aill well of my old trouble that I had when you was here in addition to that 4 weeks ago I like to a got killed The accident happened in hanling a Sam lag but I am now getting better of that Think I will over it The rest of the family is all well I truly hope you and all the family is all well Well alta I got a letter from you Some 2 or 3 months ago Would have ancered it before now but being old and un well have neglected till now I was glad to hear from you all Tell lucy and Selma to rite to me Sometime as I always love to hear from you all I would like to See you all once more in this life but that will hardly ever be I Shal Soon haf to cross the river I no I am nearing the Banks but I have a strong hope of entering the promis land beyond where I Shal rest from all my Trils and Troubles I want you all to prepare to meat me there where we will part no more

well Alta Times here is is much like they were when you was here wheat and oats was a partial failure corn and cotton is Just Tolerable The (Amnis)? bugs has done abundance of damag to corn

(2nd page:)

all your relatives here is all well far as I no well Alta I want any and all of you to come to See us if you ever can I wan ta See you wors now than I would if you had never come I look at your pictures Sometimes but they cant talk ta me So I lay them back Tell Jincy Munday I hante forgot her yet I want her ta rite To me give my love and respect ta all of hesters children and all of my folks there So I will close by asking you all to wright to me when convenient

John Brooks

to Alta Brooks and all

the family

N. B. Ider Bell and frony Sad Tell you all howda for them They wan ta See you all mity bad