Sep^t 21^st/64

 

Dear John

                        I received a letter from you three weeks ago also one yesterday. I am glad to hear you are well. we are all well now but the two girls have just got over a bad attack of the fever and ague, plenty of it just now in the county. M^r Goodliffe next neighbour to us just buried two little girls who died of the same disease that took of poor Henry sweet. I have been home a whole week and just got back to work again went fishing three days and got plenty of Snappers me and Eddy got 94 one day Eddy caught 26 of his own hook and felt a little proud I assure you Teddy blows the organ in the Church now but I wish he was in work in the City he is losing his time / why do you not get leave and come to the store I have it all to myself after 6 oclock and plenty of clothes to alter your appearance so that no one would know you was a Jack Robinson and we could go and spend the evening wherever you like and sleep at the store try and get leave and come it will do you good, but be sure and be at the store by six or I shall probably be out as I generally leave at that hour to go to supper and do not return sometimes till 8 or 9 oclock. We had a great torchlight procession last Saturday night at NR a big thing I assure you for Little Mac. Never was the like seen in that part of the country before. I have sent you some money to get the "Kedge Anchor" whats a Kedge? I suppose it is a species of Mud Hook as the sailors give queer names to every thing. If you do not come to see me you need not go short of change, you have only to write for it and I will send you some. with 3 cheers for M^cClellan I Remain &c &c

                                                                                    G S

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