…and visit them”,—the babe is ready “for a romp with me”, (blessed, knowing innocent!)—her Uncle in Boston will be “highly offended if I pass through that city of Notions, without visiting him”, &c. &c, until I come to the conclusion, I must be so “pumpkins”,—I shall never get so from eating too many pies of that vegetable,—nary,—getting pumpkins Pies is now a days decidly “squashed”;—but never mind, “there is a good time coming, wait a little longer”. I presume you had a good time on Thanksgivings day.—I done without Turkey, although I accidently got a piece of mince pie; however, I had a very pleasant time in the afternoon & evening being in company with Lieut. Nye, whom I had not seen for nearly 15 months. I esteem it very highly as a good Officer, a gentleman and a most honourable & virtous man. As my company Officer I can say, what respect I am expected to yield “to those in authority”, is solely centered on him.—Considerable number of men of the 74^th are in the city most every day,—the regiment is 45 miles from here (at Columbia). If Hood wants to fight, that place in all probability will be the battle ground. I was at Columbia last week & am free to say, that Hood will avoid the fortifications errected there by our forces;—let him try them if he desires it.—

 

As regards my stove;—if it will not add too much work to your labors, I request that you sell it/sometime during the winter. Do not take less than $15⁰ for it & at that price, if it is any bargain to any one, prefer it to a soldiers family, if one needs it;—in fact, if there is a needy soldiers family there, who would take good care of it, I would be willing, they should use the stove during the winter; let it add comfort to some worthy household, instead of laying idle,—unless it can be sold.—Return my thanks to Mr. Goodrich for his remembrance of me & give him my best respects with the wish of his wellfare.—It is pleasant to know that one is remembred by former aquaintances. I am sometimes inclined to think,—I am pretty much forgotton in Rockford.—

 

            Much love to dear sister Lona,—I would add a kiss,—but you  could’nt do justice to it, where I to ask you to be the proxy,—therefore I’ll wait till I can deliver it in person.—Remember me kindly to Mr & Mrs. Mandeville, Edward M. & all the rest of the family, including the “cream”,—Is Mrs. Cunningham (the old lady) still in Rockford?—I send her my best regards.—I must close;—it is near dinner time & I must get ready to fullfill the acceptance to a dinner at the house of [German, in script], who invited me to come and help dispose of “a roast goose”,—I am ready, for goodness knows, I am hungry.

            Good bye, dear brother.—God bless you & yours,—grant you continued health & as much prosperity, as is good for you.—

 

                                                                        Ever, Your faithful & affectionate brother

                                                                                                            Edward.

 

Written,—too fast

to look well;—take it as it comes.

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