Sugar Grove June 26 '65

Dear ever dear Jettie

                                                                                                                        When the confederacy collapsed I fondly hoped we should 'ere this have welcomed you "home from the war" grateful that our country has survived the perils of the last four years and rejoicing in true strength the government nerves itself for the herculean task of dispensing justice and mercy to the still insolent remains of sesession. I trust the wisdom which shone so bright in our illustrious Lincoln will not be withheld from his successor in this crisis of organizing reconstructing or transforming the old slave states in to a land of liberty and crushing out the last remains of rebelion from the hearts of its late abettors I find it hard to reconcile myself to the idea of your going to Texas but I suppose an armed force is needed there and the few veterans vetrans who have survived the fate of their comrads and glory in doing the first / work of the war should aid in subduing the last resisting demonstration of the rebels I spent two days in Chicago week before last at the Fair it was indeed a splendid affair but you will read all about it in the papers I saw several regiments as they entered the City from the field and felt sad that the old 36^th was not coming but we rejoice that thousands are coming now and hope you will not stay many months General Grant was there Chicago in all his modest glory and Sherman shorn of part of his "didn't seem to mind it" and assumed what was desirable for the occasion there was Joe Hooker ready for a speech any time if not too drunk and I heard Major Hudson of the 4^th Mich tell how he catured Jeff Davis the 88^th came in last week Dr Peirce has been in Aurora Teressa is expecting him daily also her brother Burt and wife on their wedding tour they hear nothing from Gurdon think he died at was killed at Coal Harbour near Petersburg

 

Your fathers health is not much better / than when you was at home but he thinks riding and change does him good and improves every opportunity he has gone today with a fishing company which (includes Fayette and Austin) to Plano. Aurora is preparing for a tremendious celebration on the coming Fourth. I think the sentiment general through the country that the Fourth of July 1865 will give to history such an expression of enthusiastic loyalty as never was witnessed in any age or country and I trust such a recognition of the mighty display Gods merciful deaings with us and such humble trust in him for grace to guide rulers and people through all that awaits us as no people ever felt befor

 

Burdette Hatch has sold out and going to Kankakee to carry on grocery business

 

Mr Waldron and wife are visiting their western friends he has gone to Mineanapolis Minn to see John and Mrs W. stays with her friends here

 

if this letter finds you do not fail to answer soon write often and the Lord preserve you from pestilence death and evil as ever your Mother MPH /

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