Barrancas. Fla. Dec 29 1864

 

dear friend I received your letter some time since while in the hospital and have neglected to answer it for a long time which you must excuse me for I was very glad to get a letter from you and glad to learn you wer in so good circumstances my health is now good and I take all the comfort I can away from my family I cannot enjoy that comfort I can surrounded by those my heart holds the most dear of all things ons wife and children, but this stat of things is hard it sepperates famileys some for ever in your / case war has maid a breach wich time can never heal but it is so I have ofton regrtted that Alfred did not go with me but it is no use to reflect thay have died out of this reg very much he might have ben one of those that have died as tay wer most of them young men and boys it would have ben grattefying to had him with me but it was not so to be and I submit and so it is with you though hard to bare, you had a noble boy you doted on him as none but a fond mother could but he is taken from you by death which sooner or later acording to nature will disrobe us all so you / se he has passed through what we have all got to thearfore try and bare with christian fortitude the berievement you have other children left to live for to bring up in the path of virtue which I know you are as capable of doing as any other woman prehaps I am talking to free if I am you must excuse me for it is the intimacy that has allways existed between your familey and mine that has caused me to be thus free and I am glad that the same feeling still exists which I judge by the tenner of my wifes letters as well as / your own the dealings between you and my wife is all satisfactory to me and I am glad it was so you could trade in that way the wagon was of no use to my folks at this time and it is to you as both parties are benefitted by the trade viset all you can with my folks for I think you both enjoy it and take all the comfort you can give my love to Mr Douglas and the children and write as soon as you get this direct as before

 

from your friend and

well wisher

                        E. J. Ames Esq

L. D

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