Jesse tells of a recent outing to Idaho, as well as to Butte, Montana. He seems very concerned about the Aunties plan to sell their house, as it would leave Lee & Ida as the last of the relatives in the area. Uncle Ezra is in Denver as well.
It also becomes clear that Ethel is just recovering from a severe sickness.

(On Sands Brothers Dry Goods stationary)

Helena, Mont.
Aug 18 1895

My Dear Lee

Your good long letter just at hand, as it was some time since I had heard from you, was glad to get it and all the news.

Just came back Saturday from a ten days outing, went up to lake Pend O'hill Idaho about 280 miles from Helena. The beach is very fine white sand, very delightful to bathe and quite good fishing. Had a friend up there who wanted me to come down for some time. I think I rather overdid it though perhaps was in the water too much as I do not feel well as I should. Caught cold I presume and will be all the better for the sun when I am myself again. Guil Warren from Butte has a fine summer house just across about like (illegible) & Put-In-Bay. He had quite a number of young ladies there from Butte & Hellena and altogether I had a good time.

Am glad to hear Uncle Ezra is doing so well, but can not think what he will do at Denver, what business is Helen's husband in?

I dislike to have the Aunties sell the house because it leaves you all alone there, but on the other hand they say it is quite run down and will take several hundred $ to fix up, and that added to the price and put at interest will go a great way to keep them. If I could only sell out some of my real estate & could find some business there I sometimes think I would almost like to come back and live with them provided they do not sell. Was grateful to know that Ethel was so much better, Aunties wrote a week ago she was nearly well and Aunt C said she had been to Sunday dinner, and enjoyed it very much. Seems to like both of the girls very much indeed. I am glad they liked their dresses. I suppose (illegible) would have been better, but I just thought the silk might please them. What do you think of Aunties selling and the price?

With love to the girls & Ida am your affectionate bro

By the way, Sallie has only written me once in three months. I think she did not realize how sick Ethel was and perhaps the Dr. said there was no danger. You must remember she is massed up in business and very very busy.

Jesse S. Stoner