Ft Smith Ark May the 12^th 1865

                                                                                                Dear Father Mother & Sisters

with pleasure I take my pen once more to write a few lines to you to inform you that I am well hoping these lines may find you all enjoying the same great and good blessing for I hold that good health is one of the greatest blessings that we enjoy—

 

I received your letter of the 25^th of April a day or two ago and was glad to hear that you was well but I had hoped that Fred and Jasper was at home but I had a letter from Jasper the same day that I did yours and he said he would not be out untill the 5^th of June Fred I think is certainly at home by this time I have nothing new to communicate at this time only I think the war is over there doubtless will be some bushwacking but no more battles and I / think we will have a speedy peace and all soon be at home times here are about the same as when I last wrote the weather is warm and pleasant corn and oats look well and we have garden vegetables here now such as lettuce and onions radishes mustard &c &c There were two men killed near here yesterday by Gorillas these Gorillas are going to be a scourge to our country for many years to come Such is the effect of secession and rebellion and men in the north that have sympatised with rebles in arms will have a fearful account to settle in the day of wrath but I hope that the war is over now and that we may have comparitive peace but I do not believe that I can think of any thing els—

 

O yes there is a rumor that we will start home the first of June I do not know whether there is any truth in it or not but I hope there / is for I do so long to be at home once more to see all the dear ones that have waited so long to greet me but if we should go I will write again and I do not want you to stop writing untill you know that we are coming and now I shall have to say good bye for I can think of nothing els the boys are all well I am with great respect your ever affectionate Son and Brother John Reed to his Father Mother & Sisters

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