Williamsport Aug 29 1864

 

Dear Brother

                        I am seated to try and answer your letter, I have been at home a few days, but I am sorry to say that I have lost your letter and I do not know where to direct your boots. but as your time is nearly up, perhaps you had not better not run the risk of having them sent.

 

            We are all well at present Mary^A was up to the woods with me one week, we have a few men at work, but we cannot get men yet on account of the Comeing draft As for myself I scarcely know what to do, the condition of Mary^As Health will not allow m justify me in leaving them again, they are trying to raise money enough in the/borough to secure volunteers to fill the present call for one year, it will take 80 thousand dollars I subscribed $100. and if I have to buy a substitute it may take all I am worth or what little I have saved, which seems very hard.

 

            There is not much local news, there is a large hotel in progress on the lot that Canfield had laid out near Maynards property there seems to be no stagnation in buisness here at present. Men are very scarce and after this draft they will be scarcer more scarce we are paying 130—pr month and board, and at the present high prices it costs about $15—pr month to board. I wish you were here for we must build another Stable shop lobby &c at the upper camp and move up there. we wanted to get George Poust but he is like Ellis/and I liable to draft. I never felt so much oppressed as at the present time. I feel as if I would do most anything to avoid going out again. Substitutes are very hard to be got at any price they are getting from $800 to $1000 for three years. I can hardly collect thoughts sufficient to write I must go back to the woods to Morrow Morning and I should like to remain until I know my doom, but we want our teams in & Ellis and I both may be drafted.

 

            As for Uncle Mahlons I can not tell where you would find them. I would not spend time or money to hunt them, as they probably would give you a few meals &c no use to hunt relations these times. we would like to have you and Ben this winter if you want to work. I am afraid Tommy Ellis or I and/perhaps all of us will be drafted these are times that tries mens Souls. well as you will be at home next month and see for yourself I will not relate any more local news. Margaret sais she will try and write this week, our girl has gone home, on a visit I will be at home about the 1^st of Oct if they do not send for me sooner.

 

                                                Your affectionate Bro

                                                            Ch^s. E. Miller

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