December the 23, 1862
Most Dear father,
It is with much plesure that I take mi Pen in hand to let you know that I am well and I hope these few lines may find you and al the rest of mi friends in good helth i reseved a letter from you the other Day and I was glad to here from you I haf not had a leter from Emma for some time I haf rote two or three But got no ansers yet The Boys haf Been in a fite again it seams that They Cant haf a fite But our Boys are in it we haf nice wether now and I hope it Will stay good for some time yet to se if this war Could not Be put to an end Tel a____ to eat a pies of goos for me on Christmas Day as I cant be at home But I think there is a Beter Day a comin for me and mi wife yet Before long I haf just got Dun washing and put mi Close on the line to Dry and more than that we liv in a hous made out of Bull hides and I tel you it is warm we haf a Chimny in it and haf nice times With sixty Head of Catel a Week that is tenn Head a Day we herd them til Diner time and then We run a round the rest of the Day I Want to Cum home some time this Winter yet if I Can We havnt Been Payed for six months But I haf fifty Dolares in mi Pocket I wish Emma had But I Cant send Tell Emma I haf That ten Dolar gold pies for a Christmas present for her Well I Must stop for The Presant But stil remane your true soninlaw.
Take good Care of mi Wife and rite soon and Direct as Before.