Key West Fla.Feb.1^st1863

 

Sister Isabel

 

            I believe I had a letter from you in Boston which I have not answered.  You have frequently described your pets to me, now I will describe ours. we have a cat, dog & monkey.  the cat is black & white and there is nothing remarkable about her. she bristles up to the dog and monkey occasionally The dog is a small very pretty brown one. very spry, has his cors trimmed. The monkey is small has a very long tail. he is very playful runs along on the ropes jumping hand over hand. he will hold himself with one hand or his tail which he can use at better advantage than hand or foot. he is said by all to be the most playful they ever knew he walks occasionally on his hind feet when he sees people looking at him he frolicks more. twenty men can’t catch him when he tries. he eats oranges, bread, meat. almost anything that aboy would. is very fond of sugar

 

            Well how do you get along at school? I suppose there are about the same number of scholars as usual. what do you all study. when does it close. when are James & Emmy going to Gorsham? Have you heard from Daniel of late has he got well & is he coming (or going which?) home. I’d like to know what you do if you have no snow? or have you got so large you don’t care about snow bolling, coosting, etc. Do you hear how the 29^th Reg. like? I hear Col. Topley has resigned do you know who takes his place.

 

            I spoke awhile ago about sending for some apples, but there is no communication between here & Boston direct. if there was it would cost no more to send here then to the “Ohio”.  I have received orders to go to Appalachia  400 mile from here to the “U.S.Ship Amanda E.G.Squadron” it is a sailing vessel which I think is at anchor. it is said to be  pleasant & healthy. shall go very soon. you will please direct letters there. It is more out of the way than this place, otherwise it is preferable. Where is Geo Smih’s wife. is Seth at home? and is Allen’s Mill in progress? What do people say about the war? I ask you all these things because I expect you will know. How are Lucy’s eyes. does she go to school?  How is Grandmother? when were any of you over to Daston & when were any B.folks at W. is Mother going to have any new teeth? How is Lizzie. is her school done? Has Mr.Sawtelle got well? Have any of you been to Shopsleigh this winter.

 

                                                                                                Monday eve.

I recvd Mother’s letter do-day of the 14^th No. 3 (ork) am very sorry to hear you are sick I hope you are well now. but it will be a long time before I shall know. for _____ _____ also sorry. but oh if you are no more for this world I hope in Heaven you may be the gainer                                                                                        

        Very affectionately

                                                                                                B. F. Peter

 

                                                                                                Tuesday eve.

  P.S. Enclosed is fifteen dollars for you. hope, dear sister, you have recovered. good night       Your brother                                                         Benj

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