High Point Moniteau Co Mo
		     January 17th 1864
Dera Sister Kate and family
			       It is a long time since
we have heard from you only by of our Conquest friends
   I wrote to Mamma & also to Sol before I heard of their
leaving you and I thought that would answer every
purpose. but as I dont hear from you and feeling
anxious to knw how you get along this cold weather
I hope you will write as soon as you get this.
     We have had very cold weather here. Mr. Payn
froze his nose, ears, and fingers doing his chores one
morning.     I went to Jefferson the day before Christmas
and stayed till after New Years.    Dwights folks were
well.   Sereno is home recruiting. he will be likely
to stay untill spring.     Frank is near Vicksburg
he has not been home since he enlisted.   He thhink
thinks he will come in the spring.   we had a
letter from Conquest a week or two ago saying Mammas
health is not very good this winter     I wrote for
Maj Hardenbergh to come out here and stay a year
with me next spring.    Bub wrote back that
she was staying at her Uncles Edwins and he
didnt know what she would do about it.  if
she comes I wish you would let Martha Jane [ol?]
Dolly come with her and stay as long as she
does then if they want to go back we will furnish


them means to go with.   I think Martha
is old enough to write me a lwtter.   Have you heard
from Jim lately and if you have where is he.
   Sereno looked for him when he was in vicksburg but
couldnt hear from him.     I want you to write
all about the children. how you get along this cold
weather who stays with you this winter. where
Sol is and what he is doing.        With kind
regards to all I am.
			Deb H. Payn