In camp near New Orlans.

Oct. 18^th 1863.

 

My Dear Wife,

            I rec'd a letter from you yesterday evening dated the 27^th ult. but was not numbered. You speak of not geting any letters from me for two weeks, but that you expected to get two the next mail. But as you have found out long before this time, you was doomed to a little disappointment.

 

            I scarcely know what to say to you about buying Dad's sheep. If times would always continue as good as they are now—understand me, I do not mean that these war times are so good, but I mean that if our / paper money would not go down and currency continue as plenty as it is now, it would without a doubt be a good investment at the figure you speak of.

 

            But if the close of this war should be followed by the financial crisis that a great many financiers anticipate, the luckey man would then be the one that had plenty of good money by him.

 

            But if the success of arms should turn against us and the war end as the Copperheads would have it, our present currency would be worthless and sheep at any price would be better than green-backs. There is still another thing to be looked at, ie., the war may not end for some time yet, in which case the profits on sheep even at a high price would / partially if not wholely compensate for the scarcety of money and the consequent depriciation in the price of stock. But there is some question whether a successful termination of the war will be followed by the money crisis predicted; there are good arguments against as well as for it, and I do not know that the affirmative has much the ascendency, and as I said before I scarcely know what to say to you about buying Dad's flock. I sometimes think it might be a good idea to hold on to the green-backs a while and watch the money market and the progress of events.

 

            But we need a few sheep any how, so make a pass at Dad and if he will take three dollars or less per head, risk the investment. / Where is Dad going to when he leaves the State to get from under Abolition rule? If he stops within Jeff's dominions, he will for the same reason in all probability have to move again shortly; if he is going to abandon terra firma, I bid him farewell and say peace to his political wishes.

 

            For fear that you might not get my last letter (No. 21) I will repeat that I have sent you $80. by Mr Sheller, $20. of which belongs to Fletcher which he wants you to mail to Mrs. C C Fletcher, Winchester, Ill.

 

The specimen of colored stocking you sent I think exhibits considerable efficiency on the part of the producer without even takeing into consideration her limited experience.

 

I think I will have the opportunity of mailing another letter to you before we move.

 

                                                                                    Your very affectionate husband

                                                                                                            Enos Reed.

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