Exhibit 99.3

August 31, 1998

RE:  NOTICE OF PROXY MAILING:  PROPOSED SALE OF THE ROSEVILLE CALIFORNIA  
                               CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEM BY 
                               IDS/JONES GROWTH PARTNERS 87-A, LTD.

DEAR REGISTERED REPRESENTATIVE OF CLIENTS IN 
IDS/JONES GROWTH PARTNERS 87-A, LTD:

IDS/Jones Growth Partners 87-A, Ltd. ("Fund 87-A") plans to sell its Roseville
California system to an unaffiliated third party during the fourth quarter of
1998.

The proposed sale and the distribution of net sales proceeds are contingent upon
the approval by the holders of a majority of Fund 87-A's limited partnership
interests, as well as the consents of governmental authorities and other third
parties. Enclosed for your information is a copy of the Fund 87-A Notice and
Proxy Statement. The proxy record date is August 20, 1998.
                 -----------------------------------------

For taxable accounts, proxy materials are being sent directly to investors.  
- - ---------------------                                                        
For tax-exempt accounts (IRAs and other qualified plans), proxy materials are 
- - -----------------------
being sent according to the instructions of the Trustees-which are the
registered owners of investors' interest in these plans. Some Trustees required
us to send proxy materials directly to their clients, the beneficial owners, and
to accept the investors' signatures as legally sufficient to count the votes
without the Trustee's counter-signature. Other Trustees required us to mail
their clients' proxy materials directly to the Trustees for their handling.

THE PROXY DUE DATE IS SEPTEMBER 30, 1998, BUT WE HOPE TO HAVE ALL VOTES IN AS 
                      --------------------
SOON AS POSSIBLE. 

If the proposed sale is consummated, limited partners in Fund 87-A are expected
to receive approximately $668 for each $1,000 invested. Distributions will be
net of California non-resident withholding tax, if applicable, on taxable
accounts. This withholding requirement does not apply to California residents or
to tax-exempt entities such as IRAs and other qualified plans. Distribution
checks will be issued according to the account registration or special payment
of record.

After the sale of the Roseville system and the distribution of the net sales
proceeds, the Partnership will be liquidated and dissolved, most likely in 1998.


 
 
     Proposed Sale           Prior Sale                    Anticipated
     Roseville system        Carmel Indiana system         Total Return
     ----------------        ---------------------         ------------
                                                          
     $668 per $1000*         $731 per $1000                $1,400 per $1000
     
 
   
     *  Net of California non-resident withholding tax, if applicable.

Please review the enclosed list that shows registration and check information
and estimated distributions prior to withholding, if applicable, for each of
your clients Fund 87-A. If you find any discrepancies in this information or
have questions, please contact the Jones Investor Services Department as soon as
possible.

Sincerely,


Jones Cable Corporation
Managing General Partner

Enclosures