Charles B Strain; Allegheny, Pa (1220 Arch St); May 6^th, 1906

My Dear Uncles,

You will have to excuse me for not writing you at an earlier date to say the truth it was very inconvenient for me to do so for I was busy all the time either reading or working.

I am glad to inform you that I am working in the wholesale Dry Goods business for the past month and I like it very much better than retail business my opportunities in my present position are very much better and easier for advancement than in the retail line.

To get a clear idea and get a good, thorough knowledge

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in the business each one makes from a third to a half profit or say each make about 1 shilling on every 3 shillings worth of goods the sell the wholesale is the best to learn of either the three of them.

Geo, Leo, and I received the papers and shamrocks you sent us OK and we are very thankfull to you indeed for oblidging us in sending same. Let me know if you got the papers I sent you also if M.R. got the books I sent her in your reply to this letter.

In regards to Robt Stokes I have not heard from him for about four months as I written him a letter about four months ago and have not any answer to it he told me about that time he did not like this country very well.

I think if he would drop a little more of his childish ways as he is approaching into manhood and it is time for him to do so he would be very much better off he is in a good country now if he only knew it and should not fret his life away about home so early in youth as this is the country where the big dollars are to be made, the richest country in the world. Fretting is the worst thing a man can do for it shortens mans life and has many other injurious affects to man. I never fret no matter what it is about nor I don’t intend to either you were aksing me in your letter how I was progressing in my studies. I only attended night school one night and it was quite sufficient for me.

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on my poor little back that was the work that made me big and robust and I am glad to say today that I have done such work. I have not heard from AMA or Uncle J or Patrick for a long time and cannot say how they are getting along. Leo & Geo will write you in a few days as for myself you can always expect a letter from me, as I will never forget to write. I am a little longer than the usual period in writing you this time but circumstances in their way it was impossible for me to write you any earlier than at present. Tell Peter to enquire of J Byrne and see if he got my letter and to tell him he would do me a great favour by writing me a letter right away. Hoping these few little lines will find yourself, Uncle James, Margaret Rose and Peter enjoying good health, as it leaves Geo, Leo and myself at present Thank God. I will conclude for the present hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience.

I remain

Your Loving Nephew

Chas B Strain

Write soon don’t delay

PS Give my regards to W John Mrs and Robt as I hope they are all enjoying good health. Tell them that is the earnest wish. C B Strain

PS Excuse my bad writing as I was in a hurry at the time I wrote this letter. C B Strain