Great Barrington Oct 22^nd 1863

 

Dear Brother

                        yours came to hand yesterday and was glad to hear from you again and to learn you were enjoying good heath I am about the same as regards my health I think it is improving and have serious thoughts of enlisting again in the 1^st Battalion Cavalry I can get Sergts commission besides $452.00 Bounty and should have gone last week but could not pass examination so will have to stay a while longer in Barrington I would like to go back again and besides I think there will be another draft between and Jan and if there is a great many will have to go I do not know what this war is coming too and when it will but I certainly know they never will accomplish much while there is so much changing of Generals I see by the last paper that Genl Rosecrans is superceded by Genl Thomas and as long as such changes are made we can never carry on this war succesfully I wish it was at an end now/ for one cannot go into business for himself as long as things are in the state they are at present as regards this business I like it very well but should like it better if the Partners were alike one of them is a very fine man indeed and the other is a stink he is a confirmed drunkard and will soon kill himself but a smarter man for business you never saw the Partnership ends the 1^st of next January I do not know what they will do then but one of them will stay I hardly think I shall stay for I think I can do better I do not go out any at all am here day and night we have a room in one part of the store where I sleep with a young fellow by the name of Prince I like him very well he is a very steady fellow we have a String Band consisting of three violins Guitar Tambourine Etc Etc so you see that I try and enjoy myself very well you spoke about coming to Barrington on a visit what time will you come I wish you would let me know as regards you attending school I should say go by all means that is if you intend to go into business and I would learn to be a Telegraph Operator in preference to anything else if I had only understood I could have had a good chance I do not think you would like this business/ and allowing you did you would have to improve in spelling and writing very much allowing me to be a judge I hope you will take no offense but Albert you do not improve in writing or spelling in spell Barrington you never put in only one r where you want two so you must be more careful trade has been very good until within a few days we are having beautiful weather and farmers are very busy at present when they are so busy our trade is not so good Uncle Guys folks are busy as bees now a days William is going to teach where he did last winter Geo is in a good place at Winsted Direct West Winsted Conn Eddy is attending school at New Marlborough Julia is attending school in this place chestnuts are plenty I had some Sunday Apples I can eat as usual and enough of them too George Rice from this place started for Pokeepsie yesterday you will see him if you go there but now I will close hoping to hear from you soon I remain your Brother

 

                                                                                                Silas

                                                            my regards to all of Uncle

                                                            Clarks folks and Uncles

                                                            folks and all

                                                                                    Silas Swift

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