Osage Mission

Dearest Margaret Ann,
The weather and lack of daylight have provided me with a moment to write you and I have the silliest encounter to relate! As I have already recounted, we are in Kansas on the trail of a doctor, the younger brother of a state senator, who has disappeared. Two days ago, while riding along the Osage Trace, my tack needing adjusting and so I stopped to rectify it. This would not be unusual, but you will not believe what happened as I was doing so. A man standing in the nearby bushes urinated on my boot!
 
I know we saw worse in the hospital and our clothes were often soaked in excrement but I must admit my temper got the best of me, and I beg your forgiveness, as I drew on him. I shot at him with my pistol, only to scare him off, and, well, I will not relate to you what followed except that it ended in the deaths of the Crawford Gang and none of my cadre. I was wounded, but only minorly and have made a quick recovery. One of my cadre was almost a doctor, a Henry Mumple, and a much better sort than the sawbones we saw in Philadelphia, excepting your Thomas. I hope he and young Tom are in the best of health.
 
My garments have become a little ill fitting and you know how important they are. Please find enclosed strings with my measurements and visit that little shop. You know to draw on my account at First Pennsylvania and forward any purchases through the Hennessey agency, we are sending daily telegraphs and they will know where to find me.
 
Yours always,
H