I had thought that in localities that I have frequently mentioned in my letters that prairie land could now be bought for from $5 to $8 per acre, & that say $8. 160 acres would only cost $1200.00 & that it could not be a bad investment & we would be sure of a place to begin on, the balance I would put at interest.  Now what do you think of it?  And after all I believe your idea is the safest & I certainly thank you for any sugestion for if you are "only a woman" I'm glad of it.  You can "mak things fly" as it is.  I had thought that perhaps Austin would stir up & make some trade of the lot in town & the piece down on Agency for a 40 or 80 of prairie on the bluff north of Harrises, that's what would suit me, but that extreme caution, characteristic with all my people, (very good in its place) will always keep us from improving on past times.  There are none of you aware of the exhorbitant prices of every thing at present, who ever heard of such prices lasting any time, - little runts of horses - worth (?) $150, Hogs gross $8, corn $1 & every thing in proportion,  There must be a general coming down.  Wool even in Iowa is growing in fleeces by the million, Cotton is coming in large quantities from the rich plain of India.  Yes King Cotton has abdicated the throne in the C.S.A. & can now be found riding on his triumphal car even in Africa.  Merchandse must come down, & every thing else - the time to sell is Just before this takes place, - the time to buy - after.  I heartily second your move to write out an advertisement & urge Austin to try immediately.  It would pay to give the editor $10 - $15 to blow it good.  Just so he don't blow the Springs dry - & as to price I can not say, certain not less however than $30 per acre.  Sell the 80 west of the house with 20 immediately east (or less if it will bring as much, more if necesisary), the 40 south of Runyon can as well be sold separatly, but if you can get as good a price let all go together, Agency & all, (particularly Agency estate).
 One other thing you speak of - renting the farm to diferent men.  I think that it would be better to have as few tenants as posible, but there is one thing I want done - certain Austin is a good hand to make contracts, have him to have them written sure - good & strong.  If I get home in the fall I'll see that they live up to it - I have written it before, but again if he can I want one half - & all corn in the field, mind that will you?  & if posible to have the south side of the field cleared up & put in corn & the same in the 40 S. of Runyon (I must finish on a scrap
