[in another hand]                                                                                Berlin Sept 8^th 1861

Franks first

letter to me—

            Momma                      Miss Fannie.

 

                                                            Dear Friend.

                                                                                    I find myself comfortably seated in the Office this afternoon and about to do a thing which I never done before (ie) write you a letter.

 

            I have complyed with the instructions I received, and have been to church this forenoon. we had a very long & rather dry sermon, came neare going to sleep.

 

            There was nothing worthy of note transpired on my journey to this place. I had plenty of company three Ladies and one Gent. passengers.

 

            We reached Wautoma about three oclock P. M. where we partook / of a good dinner and then started for B_ where we arrived about eight oclock in the evening, tired, cross, hungry and nearley bruised to death by the old coach which jumped and thumped about outrageously.

 

            We had music occasionaly from one of the Ladies, but such music “Oh! ye little fishes” you have had heard of what they call a “wail of distress” hav’nt you. well this music sounded like one of those things. how I wished Fanny was along just to show them what music is in its pure and unmurdered state, but credit is due them for helping to while away the long tedious hurs of our ride.

 

            I am or have been attending court since I got back. I found it already in session when I returned. it makes buisey times for us occasionaly /

 

            I suppose most of the Almond people are at Camp meeting this week are they not. I should like to be there a few days and go with them. have you been any since it commenced or dont you approve of such meetings. to tell the truth I dont think much of them for there is generally as much wickedness done, as there is good received. I think it better to be on the safe side

 

            I suppose you are rejoicing that your school is nearley drawn to a close. I know I should if I were in your place. I should like to be there the last day. you would give me a ticket would’nt you. if I was a good boy and said all my letters

 

            How soon do you intend to go home. you had better come down to Berlin and see the place your people wont care about seeing / you again so soon. I guess it is a good thing for me that I am not where you can reach me for I am sure you would give me that long promised whipping for that

 

            How did your ride sunday eve affect you. has your tooth quit its efforts to amuse you. the air was so damp that evening I was afraid you might take cold and have another serious time of it but I suspect that the remidy I insisted on applying had the desired effect. it did on me any way. have not been troubled with the tooth ache since. but I see my sheet is nearley full so I guess I will draw these close to an exercise. I should like to see you very much but as that is out of the question I shall wait patiently for the next best thing which is a letter from you. so good by and beleive me

 

                                                Your sincere friend & admirar

                                                                                    Frank. M. Guernsey

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