High Point
	     Moniteau Co. Mo.
	 August 21st 1864
Dear Sister & family
		       Yours of July 31st
was recd. in due time. The same
mail that brought yours brought one
from Conquest with the sad news of 
our Dear Brother's death. Sad indeed
are such news to friends, but very
many are compelled to receive them.
	I have not heard from Jim for
some time. the last I heard he was
at Lagrange La.   I hope he may
be spared to come home.
  	I have Solomon's Ambrotype but no
Photograph. I would like for you to send
me one and presume Bet would like to
have one also.
	I havnt heard a word from Ell
since a year last spring. Mr. Payn


then replied to a letter we got from
her since then I have heard nothing
only by way of Dwights folks.
I have not heard from Waters folks since
they were here in the spring the bush-
whackers are so bad we dont really
			  the leaves
like to go out there until the fall of ^
I expect you think you it rather dangerous
living here but if you had been here all
throug the trouble you wouldnt think
much about it. we live hoping it will
be ended after awhil  we have never yet
been disturbed and wo to the rebel that
disturbs us  there is very little troubl on
the Prarie but the timber is full of it
You speak of your health not being very good. Try
and not let your trouble ruin your health we
					          h
all know your affliction is great and sympat^ize
with you and if we can do anything more
will be glad to do so but Cate on account
of your dear little children take care of your
health. you are all they have to look too for
[illegible in original] support, and advice. in fact all
they have to depend on. if you lose your
health they will have to be separated which
would be hard indeed. I hope you will go east
and have a good visit this fall. I would like go with
if I could write often and accept love from Deb