Boston Jan. 16^th 61

 

Dear brother Ro^s

                                    I will try to write a line to you and send it with Abbies. I rec'd a letter from you about the time you was hauling wood just before you cut your toe I hope you it as much fun to chop on that as on a tough beech.

 

Dissolving the Union is the business of the day. Today we have had exciting news from the South. The first report was that the Rebels had fired into the war steamer that has lately been ordered there, and the next was that the report was a false one, again that it wasn't and they have been playing back and forth in / that way. I hope it is so but am afraid it isn't. I want to see the thing brought to a head. This is a great season for the news boys The papers issue about a half a dozen extras every day containing the latest foreign news direct by the close line telegraph. I think if the Union holds out and Lincoln is inaugurated you had better apply for some good fat office. You can have the help of the Vice President through N. G. Hitchborn. Mr Hitchborn did more than any other man to get Hamlin nominated. I see by the papers that Lot M. Morrill was yesterday elected U. S. Senator. I never would have voted to put him there 

 

            I rec'd a letter from Martin the first of the week. He is selling trees. He felt very bad about leaving his family but the people needed the trees and he thought it his duty to furnish them

 

I haven't seen the Braintree folk for a long time.

 

I should think the closing seen at your division meetings would be an interesting one. You are having an easy time going where you please while I have to be tied up in that old store. I won't stay there always.

 

I have invested fifty dollars in that R. E. Improvement Co. Mr. Merritt of the Tip Co. is well acquainted with the Co. and says that it is perfect / ly safe and pays well I thought if I had fifty dollars in there it wouldn't get spent any other way and might come handy by and by.

 

            The sleighing is quite good here and the old half moons are flying at a great rate I don't think of anything more that is particularly interesting. Write often and take a sleigh ride occasionally for me. I paid 12 cts for that stove top.

 

            I want to hear from George and Howard.

                                                                                   

From your brother

Charles

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