Blakesburg Iowa
                                                                                                   Aug 12, 1861

 

My Dear Father

            Asa is oweing me something over $360.00 he has now on hand subject to my order $200, in Specis – which I have directed him to Transmit to you by Express. – I Trust it will nearly relieve you from debt which you have so long labored under.

 

            I am making arrangements preparatory  to a three years enlistment. the only difficulty is the recquisite number of men to form our Company We are however getting along pretty well and I Think will be ready by 1^st Sept.

 

            Our Country has done Gloriously having already sent 4 Companies.

 

            More than one half of the Men in our Tp. sympathize with Southern Traitors, not one Dem in this Townp has enlisted.  There is considerable trouble in the Border it is only 25 miles to the Mo. Line, in my judgt the only way to quell sympathy here is to crush out Secession South. I look for trouble right here and shall do all I can to induce Ellen to go and stay with you. as I think it much better for her.

 

            She would be no incumbrance to you but on the contrary would be a great assistance.  She is plain, quick and industrious.  Knows more about house keeping and domestic economy than of Fashionable life and its acompanying frivolities.

 

            Times are excessively hard little money and crediting people is unsafe.  Our best plan is to discontinue business until after the War.  debts in this State cannot be collected of Volunteers which is affecting us.  We can get along unless something unforeseen should occur.  There is no telling what a Mo may bring forth. in Haste

 

                                                Yours as Ever
                                                                        A. H. Griswold

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