Sang Hollow Decem 22 1856

 

Dear Sarah

                        Your last came to hand and was glad to hear you were well. I hope you are enjoying your self this cold weather It is very stormy in these mountains I would have written sooner but I wished to defer writing untill I could find some definint time to see you. If I am sperid in life and health and all my family is well you may expect to see me from the 31^st Decm untill the 3^d January that is you can look for me on the 31^st 1^st 2 or 3^rd any of those 4 days I can leave home there have been some trouble on the route in this gap lately there has been two trains break down on my division The last accident I came very near geting my pass to the other world I have never been in so much danger in fact there was nothing but the hand of God that saved myself and six or eight men from total [?] side there was no person hurt but the Brakesman and he is able to walk round again

 

I will now answer your last question that is respecting character, my character is just as you see me during our short acquaintance. I have no doubt faults as other / men in my youth I acted as others act but perhaps I can say what others cannot say as a general rule I am no drinker nor never hav been Profanity I have never been guilty of two of the most degrading vices that any of the human family can be guilty of the only fault I have ever had if it is a fault is loveing the ladys. this I think is permissable provideing I love but one at a time I have allways been a true marriad man. expecting to meet you soon as a suitor for your hart and hand I will not write any more at present but wishing you a heapy Christmas Plenty of [?] turkey and other fixins good by

                                                                                               

Yours Truely

E. W. M^cKelvey

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