Monday 18^th

I have just got back from dress parade and cleaned up my gun, a job I always detested. We have a grand review this evening of all the troops on the Island and, a general inspection of arms. You never saw such rubbing of guns in all your born days. I dont like a soldiers life unless I had a commission. One has to mix up with all sorts of men and boys of all classes. I have heard more cursing since I have been here, more [?] vulgarity than I ever heard in my life. I get so disgusted sometimes I try to hunt as private a place as possible to get out of hearing. this is one strange world filled up with strange things. Our large guns have not yet arrived. I hear a great many reports about them, but I am afraid they will not get here in some time. I saw the other day two very pretty cannon and a large amt of ball cast here. the cannon is said will do pretty good execution two and half miles. the workman to me he could make good rifle cannon if they needed. I would like / to see more guns and larger ones. Where are you going to live next year? I wish you would move near Lagrange. I think you might do as sound about there as where you are, and, would be so much better satisfied. If you can find a piece of land any where for us both you can use the Tate note in part payment. we might a piece of land in a good range, cut it into and live close together. I wish you would look around and see what could be done. I will let you know if I can get of Chrismast. You must humour Laura to some extent. It goes a great ways with her. I wish you could sell those horses for me If possible. inquire about pork. I may need some next year. everything is awfully high here, worth two prices. Scarcely any buisness doing. write to me soon, all your intentions and all you want to know. When I get a plenty time I will inform you more about my affairs. take care of your ears Keep out of the cold. My love to Sister Angie. I never Rec^d the letter you gave to Laura. write soon—

                       

Your Brother               V R Jones

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