Washington February 1861

	Dear Janie
		I daresay you think I am
about to pay you in your own coin and
not write for some months, but not so  I
had really forgotten it had been so long
seen I received your letter it is more than
amonth_  I heard from Aunt Jane last
week she told me all were well. I am
sorry she had not received my letter as I
think it must have made her think hard
of me for not writing.
	Willy writes he is with you for the present
I do hope as the spring opens he will be able
to do something to promote his desires to be a
farmer, dear me why are we poor? I would
love to help him along for then my poor
Anna might have a home if I was Alladin
				    not
with his wonderful lamp would I ^ rub
up wonders? for instances you and I

would have a fine husband a piece and
me a beautiful baby boy, but I would not
impose one on you for you might not
like it as well as myself being I am baby
crazy and how can I help it? Johnnie is
so sweet_ Aunt Annie was here to day
with Arthur all there are well Aunt Eliza
Uncle James' and babies are well_
     I was with Brother John and Mary yester-
day they are both well. Jimmie is only tolerable
Jennie is not at all well she has a bad cough
Mrs Dent is at present suffering with a head
ache Johnnie is a sleep so quiet for the.
present  .  Aunt Hannah about a gain after
a tedious spell_  [Katy?] Barclay has been
out now I have told you how all are
of the Barlcays I suppose you hear frequently
  	You should be here now if you like
soldiers for the city. has them all around
about so many blue coats I have scarcely
ever seen, but after all I fear nothing
for our city, but our country I hardly 

	know what to expect or what to
hope for, but it will be for the best
Uncle Charley says what is to be, will be"
give my very best love to Uncle Charly
tell him that he must make some real
Union speeches for we want them badly_
     My love also to my other Uncles also to
all my Aunts & cousins as to [illegible] I suppose
she does not intend writing any more so
just tell her she ought not to treat cousin
Janie so badly_  
	I spent last night at the Barclays
Janie is still at school Annie the same as
ever Johnnie is just getting well he had
  very
a ^ sick spell. Mary is well but looks extreme
ly delicate_
	I will send this to Willy in his so
   I will refer you to him for further news
do write soon I should like to hear of the 
Allens I never hear a word from them
	Goodbye your affectionate cousin
			Janie

		Miss Janie B Cathcart
			Laporte
				Indiana

[Written sideways on top of Scan 4]

Dear Little Henry
	Little did I say? well
excuse me I forget you must
have grown much but Cousin
Janie is excusable as she is
so old & big. I hope you are
a good boy you ought to be
to help Dear Father and 
Mother to feel the lost of
your two dear brothers less
     Tis a double reason to be
a comfort to them should now
spur you on and I hope you
do try_ How do you get 
on with your music? do you
play much now?
	I suppose you have fine
sleighing & snowballing I
would love to have one nice
ride_ Love to Jimmie tell
him I hope Willy & he are
good friends   Goodbye
		                Janie

[Written upside down on bottom of Scan 4]

I suppose the President Elect will be
here next week so we will have
fine times the Inaugral Ball and
all, yes fine doings to begin with
All I hope is the Star Spangled Banner
will long wave over our Glorious Union

[End]

[Written on the side of the above]

Hurrah to the
Union & Liberty_

[End]