Jefferson City Mo.
	May 1st 1862
My Dear Brother
		I am here all alone
by my self.   Mr. Payn has
not been in Jefferson City
since about the middle of
February, and it is uncertain
when he will be here again .
     I had a letter from him last
week.  they were about to enter
Arkansas, his health has been 
good since he has been in the 
service.   My health has been
good since my return except
bad colds  .   We have had a
very cold, wet and backward
spring . farmers have been unable
to but very little yet.
     But very little corn planted
on account of the rains

Dwights folks are well and
busy every fair day.   Sereno stays
at home and works on the farm
     There is very little business
done here this spring . Military
and Politics take up the time
and attention of the people so
much they cant attend to business
     Groceries are high, and so is
all kinds of clothing .
     I had a letter from Conquest
last week . saying Kate Hardenbergh
health is still failing . They
seem to think she is past help
they did not state what is the
matter with her  .
     It also brought word of Eliz
Seymours death although I
suppose you have heard of that
before this time.
   	The rest of the friends
were usually well.
       I havent heard from Kate

      Baker since I left there
    when you write if you have
heard from her lately let me
know.   and also about all the rest
of the friends there.
     there is but little military force
kept at this place now  .  All
available troops have been sent
south  .     the foundation of
slavery is so shattered in this state
that it probably will never be
built up again   .
     Please write soon. and accept
the kind regards and love of your
     Sister
		D.H. Payn