I am surprised, however, that you were able to purchase, even in
Southern Illinois, such prairie land as you describe for the price
of $18 per acre. I supposed $190 an acre for your corn belt farm was
a good price, although it is commonly reported to us that Illinois
land is selling for $150 to $200 an acre.

Now, in regard to correspondence with Adelaide, let me say that we
could have no objection whatever, except that it might be
misunderstood, more especially, of course, by Professor Barstow. I
do not think I mentioned it to you, but the fact is that the
Professor and Adelaide are essentially betrothed. I do not know that
the final details are perfected, but doubtless they are, for they
have been much together during the Christmas weeks. The Barstows, as
you probably know, are still among the most prominent people of
North Carolina. Adelaide is young yet and we respect her reticence,
but her mother and I have both given our consent and Professor
Barstow has every reason to be satisfied with the reception he
invariably receives from Adelaide.

I only mention this matter to you that you may understand why
misunderstanding might arise in case of such correspondence as you
suggest, even though, as Adelaide has explained, she has very
naturally become interested temporarily in some of the economic and
social questions relating to agriculture, and would unquestionably
read your letters concerning these state and national problems with
continued interest. I shall hope, however, that she may still have
that satisfaction, for I am very deeply interested in all such
questions, and I am particularly interested to know more of the
details of your southern Illinois farm, including the invoice of the