The St. Charles Hotel Albany, Oregon Sunday, Jan. 17, 1909 Dear Bertie: I left Eugene this am just before noon, and arrived here about 2 p.m. Today the weather is much moderated, and it has been raining quite hard at intervals. The snow here has about entirely disappeared and instead of snow, every little crevice that can hold melted snow, is full of water. The streams are all much swollen, and the papers are all talking “floods.” In California thru the section I came first before Christmas, there are great floods reported all up and down the Sacramento valley, and great damage has been done and more feared. I do not anticipate any difficulty or risk from any such danger where I am, and will not take any chances, if I hear of danger, I will stay on the safe side. From what I can learn, I think there will be no difficulty, so far as I am concerned. I am quite well, had a good nap this afternoon. I am getting lots of sleep (as usual) and in consequence, am well. I hope you and the little ones are keeping well, and that both Laurel and Hanson are in their usual health. I am also hoping you are not feeling as lonesome as usual, now that you have company with you. I am pleased to tell you I did well in Eugene, and cleaned up half a thousand dollars worth of business before leaving. Not too bad to begin the new year with, was it? I am hoping I may meet with encouragement elsewhere, so I can keep “my spirits” in good shape. I just heard a man in the hotel office remark “that a man was measured by his success.” And I think he is about correct. So I want to measure well, you know. It is beginning to seem a good while, since I saw you, and the distance and time seems long, before that pleasure will be mine again. But as the wheels go round, Spokane will ere long be in view. Until that time arrives, I shall think many, many times of you and our dear little ones, with a dear memory of other Sunday goodnights, and still others in anticipation. I am lovingly your husband, Geo. W. B.