Oceansprings             

Augt 1^st 1864

 

Dr Brother Washington

            It has been a long time since I have written to you or have heard from you. I write this because John wrote me that he had opportunities of sending letters by soldiers going home that lived in your neighborhood. I am sorry that I have nothing to write but my troubles, and sad tale of your brother. He left home last November to go to Bay St Louis to be gone 1 week since then we have not heard nothing reliable of him. nothing but what was dishonerable to his / character as a goverment officer (he being Qartermaster). He not expecting to be gone but 1 week left me but $200 in money. since that was expended I have had to relie upon what I could make by selling such things as I can find sale for but that resorce is now debared me and I have but very little money to by bread which has been our only subsistance for the last 2 months. I have to pay $15 and sometimes $20 per bushel for corn meal not having had flour at all for the last 2 years. Winter is now coming and not means of get meal much or cloths for my family which are at this time almost bear. I have written to my / relations but they all have been compelled to leave there homes and are now reffugees all though the Southen confedercy. therefore I cannot get any assistance from them and I now ask it of you for I know that if it possiable you will cheerfully aid me in my distreass. We all enjoy good health for which I am thankfull, shugar and coffee & tea is quite a stranger to us since the war commenced do write soon. Give our love to all with a sincere hope that you have not suffered from the invader

I am as ever your

affectionate sister

M Kendall

 

[overleaf]

 

Mr Washington Kendall

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