Co F, First Mich. Engineers & Mechanics.
     Camp Sec 49, NW RR Jan 10th 1864
Dear Brother
	        I recieved your letter
last night and hasten to reply. I was
glad to hear that you received our money
all right as I was getting somewhat
anxious to hear from it as it had been
on the road a long time. I was also
happy to hear that you were all well
and I hope that you may enjoy a full
share of that greatest of earthly blessings
But what is it you say about John and his
wife can it be that you can not get along
together or what has happened to cause
Delia to go home to her Fathers, I had
hoped that you now could get along well

and be happy and contented with your
lot and future prospects. you intimate that
probably I have heard all about it: I assure you
that I have not: your letter was the first into-
-mation that I have had that there was any
thing wrong: Sew when you write to me again
let me know the truth of the matter without
scruple as I much desire to know what could
have caused such an estrangement among you
Poor Dealia I am afraid it will be a sad
blow to her, and so soon after marriage too
it is really too bad. but I will say no 
more till I have learned the truth of
the matter:
And now I have a word to say to you

     you are yet young. but your educati-
     on is sadly neglected: I hope you will
try to improve your time to the best advantage
you did not tell me if you were going to
School or not. but I hope you are: you must
really try and improve your writing and also
spelling. If you lack means let me know
and I will supply you with anything you
may want: Take my advice: I have your interest
much at heart and I surely will advise you
for the best: Use your best endeavors to gain
a good education: If you succeed in this
your success in life is almost certain
the weather here has been very cold since
the Thirty First of December.. the mercury
has been as low as Seven Degrees below Zero
the Sleighing has been good here for over a
week. I call that pretty good for the "Sunny
South." I suppose it is cold enough to
freeze a person now in Michigan
Now write as soon as you get this and
write a good long letter. Give my respects
to all			Ever Yours Alex