Pittsfield Aug 2d, 63

 
Dear Sister 

Your kind letter
was received yesterday. It contained
much surprising news. I hope
Chester nor Edward is not draft-
ed. It was surprising to me to
learn that I had a cousin
here in Pittsfield. I shall try
and find where they live if
I can. I’m glad to hear mother
takes the past with pleasure
I mean my ill conduct toward
her. My photograph I will
send as quick as I can get it.
There is 257 men drafted in
this place, and I am one of
them.

I hope you will write as
soon as you receive this
and let me know is drafted.
I wish you would send me a
paper containing the drafted men
or get Chester to send it
                    of
And a paper ^ those who get
exempt It is almost meeting
                                          [illegible]
time and I shall have to for go
writing till after meeting.
	I am back again from
meeting. I have just been in
the garden eating currants, it is
very warm here to day, and I thought
the currants would be cooling to
eat them.      [illegible mark] Dr. Todd’s
church where I go there is
over 200 sabbath sholars
                              Deacon
The man I work is ^ of the
South Street Church – he is about
70 years of age & so is his
wife and this is all of the
family except the hired girl

The river runs within 12 rods
of the house, and between the 
house and river – is the orchard
and garden. I have just eaten two
apples from one of the trees and
I call them ripe apples – then
we have garden strawberries
in great abundance – all I want
evry day as long as they bear –
I must tell you that I help eat the
last of our [illegible] apples – yesterday.
How does Delia and her husband
Abslam Absalom get along?
I must close this time with a
short letter I cant think of
any more to write now.
has Annie heard from Jhon
John lattely. My respects to
all – your brother with
much love – and my best
wishes to sisters & brothers
Mother & father,,, Uly