My Boots are worn out

 

                                               Johnson’s Island Christmas Morning                      1863

 

A Merry Christmas Dearest to you, our Dear Babes, and all who take an interest in the welfare of “those in bonds” Yours came to hand last night. the postage stamps you sent me were a perfect Godsend, as I have been drawing on the generosity of my friends for some time. I saw Cap^t Ferrin, after receiving your letter He has not yet received a letter from Ed or any of M^r Gailbreaths family. when his box arrives I shall avail myself of Ed’s invitation and dine with him. Boxes continue to arrive here, and we have received no intimation that they are to be stopped. I had bread and fat pork for my Christmas breakfast, will have the same for dinner with variations viz. first course, slice of bread & pork. Second, Fat pork, and part of first slice of Bread. third—very fat Pork and remainder of slice. The whole wash down with some cold lake water, providing the Officer of the day will permit the opening of the gate leading to the lake before dinner so that we can obtain it. As this is Christmas, great hopes are entertained, that an exception will be made in our favor I am glad that worthless vagabond Claude has left your neighborhood and hope you will be no farther annoyed by him I wrote to Milt Buler a few days ago, have never received a letter from him, do not think he has ever written to me. You must act as you think best in regard to selling the stock. I am not without hopes of being released, but cannot tell how long I may have to remain here. Would it not be better however to wait a few weeks longer untill you hear farther. The weather is very cold here. If you send me a box, send me a pair of good homemade Ancle shoes, as we are not allowed to receive boots

 

                                                Your devoted Husband           Jn^o M^cLauchlan

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