Lake Mills, Wis.

July 17 1865

 

Dear Sister Martha,

                                    Your letter mailed the 10^th & Father's mailed the 12^th reached me yesterday. It was gratifying to hear from you so soon and learn you were all so well. We reached Madison the 5^th and as they could not pay us before the 18^th we all went to our friends & this morning I am awaiting the stage for Madison. So I have spent about a week with our relatives. I have had a very welcome reception from them all & they seem very glad to see me. I found them well. I defer particulars about them until I shall have the privilege of seeing you. We expect to be detained in Madison a few days & then I shall be at liberty. You seem to be extremely anxious to see me, for you even wish me to return without visiting our relatives. I admire your love for me, but duty / compels me to visit these friends who have always been very kind to me. Have hope & patience a little longer and if Providence permits your wishes respecting me will be fully gratified. I am very well except a cold, the first thing coming North, & something I had not had in a long while.

 

            I am sorry to hear every letter that Father is not very well. I hope he is not to continue thus.

 

            Time forbids further writing. I will be around about the first week in August.

 

I send money to pay the insurance.

           

Love to all.

                                   

Your dear brother

JPDe Merit

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