Curtiss, March 4th 1893.

Dear brother and Mother,

I received your letter March 1st . A few days ago Eline told med the news that Father had died. I found that sad and could do nothing but cry. And still I know it was for the best, both for him and for you, that he could pass away now that he was old, sick and weak. I thought it was good to hear he bore his illness patiently, and that he died peacefully. I am glad to hear Mother is reasonably well. I would have liked to talk to her now, and have shown her our two lively children. But as that cannot be, I will tell her I am content as I am. Mathias is always a kind man. It's true I have to work every bit as hard as I would have had to in Norway, but it makes no difference, as long as one is satisfied. And I am. Thank goodness everyone has been well this winter, except for me having bouts of toothache this winter. Mathias has been home this winter, as we have too many animals for me to take care of on my own. We have 10 cattle all the time. And we still have the old oxen together, Eriksen's and we, and we have them a week each. One of the 10 mentioned does not really count, as it is merely a calf we raised last fall. Four of them are cows. Two of them calved last fall and two are to calve this spring. Then we have two sheep, one pig and nine chickens. We had a hard and cold winter with a lot of snow. And now I am glad we have a good new house to live in.
I often wonder if Mother can walk as far as the barn. I suppose she has not been down at Bergan for a long time now. I wonder if she can still do small tasks, like doing some knitting for example. I read from your letter that Mari has been good at looking after Father, so I am sending her a little name-card. I wonder what you are going to do now. You must write to me soon and let me know.
I have nothing more to write about, as there is no news from here that would interest you. Give my greetings to Ingeborg and family, Anders and family and Johan and Marte. Greetings to Ingeborg Busletten and Kari Ringen from me. Regards from me to everyone at Voldslien and anyone else who asks about me. Finally all my love to you and Mother from me, you devoted sister,
Randi

Mathias says he will write something to you too. Live well. Greet Mari from me.