Jeff Bks March 4th 63
	Dear Father
			I was glad to
rec even a few lines from you
and think that I shall be able
to send you some money in
a few days we were mustered
the last day of Feb and will
be payed off I think in a few 
days  we have 4 months pay
due  I shall probably draw
between $60, and $70.  glad to hear
that you are all in usual health
I have been a little unwell for a
few days last but feel some
better  I am getting about tired
staying here but dont know as
I can do any better at present
Tell Ella that I would be as glad to
come home as she would to see me
and will soon as Uncle Sam will
let me off.  half my time is up
the 28th of this month but a year
and a half looks long

and we know not what a day
may bring forth  Tell Ella to learn
to read and write and to help her
mother and to take good care of
that boy -  I rec a letter from
Dr. Gore yesterday he is in 
		Dakota Ter.
Vermillion D.T. ^ It was in answer 
to one I sent him some time since
he is suffering some yet from his old
Cap [Pajsistry?] but is about has made
a claim and spends his time working
on it and in the printing office
Mrs Gore has been teaching school.
He says that there are good chances
for making claims says that the country
is good for farming and grazing there is
a scarcity of timber however in most of 
the teritory and the fear of hostilities
with the Indians prevents the speedy settle
ment of the country.
Please write again soon give my 
respects to all the Brethren & friends

	Yours Truly  	Jefferson S. Dowd