Now I must say a few more words about my chances to write, now at this time I do not know what minit I may be called on to go out on duty of some kind, so that I hardly know what to write about.  Now if I could sit down as Stewart or Austin could by a good fire & know that I should not be compelled to go at any minit but could sit & write my thoughts without being anoyed in any way I should like to write every day or two but as it is you will all excuse me if I say but little for it is the poorest place to write I ever saw.
 I wrote to Austin some time ago with regard to my buisness, if he got that it will explain about my plans.  I requested him to see William, & if he could make arrangements to get a piece of land & I should like it much.  I do not care, particularly, if he can sell let the land go for the present, I would like to have a good sized lot in Des Moines
