Hart Isle (Basic Training, New York City)

Sept the 11, 1864

I thought that I would send you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope that this may find you the same. I am here enjoying the pleasure of life and have plenty to eat uhe, we have plenty to eat uhe ha, a first straight dinner today. This is a nice place. They is about 10 weeks affair here. It is lay out in street the square is all grass. It is all covered with soldiers. Yesterday there was 1,000 men left here. There is about two thousand here now and they still come in as fast as they go out. We have good faire here, but we had hard faire to Schenectady we had hard faire. I wrote you a letter on Friday. I had no pen when I wrote to you. I do not know whether you could read it or not. You must write. I want you to write as soon as you receive this letter. Let Jacob Walker write (Rite of) for I don't know how long I will stay here. I may go off tomorrow or I may stay here a week and may not.

I want you to write as soon as you can, I want to hear how you and the children git along. I want you to write (uch you par hive) anything about the money I left you. Must tell Male that the first year I hired the place $20.00 it is two years ago last spring I bought it. I forgot to tell Male to pay P Hoage four dollars and seventy five cents. I want you to tell male after he has paid up my debts the rest of the money he must pay to you. I did not git my clothes till I got here and then I did not know what to do with my old clothes. They said that if I had any friends here they would let me have them. But if they were here more the third day they would send them down south. I seen a friend from Brooklyn so I sent them with him mine and Jakes. He will direct them to Palatine Bridge. They will go to Argusville (net so burnap) I would write more but I must go to supper. You must write just as soon as you get this.

James L. Christman

Root (Montgomery County, N.Y.)

Sept 15th, 1864

Dear Husband,

Your of the 9th and eleventh came safe to hand and in answer would say first that we are getting along quite well except Millard and John. They are pretty sick but with good care the doctor thinks they will get along. I have heard nothing from the money you left me and do not expect to soon as I heard the Town has backed up on the bounty for substitutes but that they will see volunteers all paid as soon as they can get the thing straightened up. I will tell old mail what you say about the house and lot and the $4.75 cents to P Hoag. I will say secondly that it is very lonesome here. The days seem very long and the nights a great deal longer and I wish you could get a furlow to come home a few days or I wish I could get a furlow to come and see you. I have sold the calf for two dollars and fifty cents and mean to fat the pig. The children often inquire when Pa is coming home. Maria was here until last Thursday then she went home. I tried to get a girl but could not so I had to do my work alone. Maria went home sick and she is quite sick.

Your affectionate Wife,
Harriet

By J.B. Walker

Friend Lons,

I must say a word or two. Things are going along here about as they were when you left so that there is nothing new to write you about but when anything turns up worth knowing I will keep you posted.

J.B.W

Harriet says she does not lay in a bunk.

New York Bay

Sept the 16, 1864

I have look for a letter most every day this week. I wrote Friday an Saturday an Tuesday. The first letter I did not write for answers because I did not know how long I would stay. I want to know how the children git along. I want to know how you all are. I sent my clothes from here to New York. I had them express to Palatine Bridge an so to Nelson Burnap. You will find them there. I want you to write whether Male has got my bounty yet I direct(ed) through the hands of J.T. Nulty be given. To Male Boudish I give my accounts to him to set up. P. Hoage I forgot I owe him $4.75 cents. I spoke to Charles Hubbs to ( ? ) fire wood. You must have him pile it between the shop and the house and git someone to saw it up and pile it up in the shop so they won't cut up the floor.

Jake received a letter from Ester. I went up to the Post Office for a letter but there was none for me. I got one for Jake. This is the fourth letter I have wrote and no answer yet. If you can't write let J.B. Walker or Sol Hubbs. I intend to write about two letters a week. I you to do the same. I want you to let me what is the name of the place where Borsh is. I want to send him a letter. I aim again to write er chance I git. I shall write in a day or two to Male Boudish. I want you to cloth the children good. Ester wrote to Jake that Harne Salburg was coming down here today with 23 men. He is First Lieutenant. We ( ? ) the Capt. and him today. I want you to git Abe to rite the Back House up and put in it a new pump in the well as soon as Male pays my debts, the balance of money he will pay to you. You must write as soon as you get this for I don't know how long I may stay here.

Direct your letter to Harts Island, New York Bay.

James L. Christman

Harts Island

Sept the 19, 1864

I want you to write as soon as you git this, if you want to hear from me, you must write. I shall send two letters a week. I shall look Saturday for a letter. If I leave this place, as soon as I can to another I will write. Give my respect to all; to you and your'n friends.

James L. Christman

Sept the 19, 1864

I received your letter the 18. It came here the 17th at nite. (When) it came here there was such a game that I did not git it til the Sunday noon. The Post Office was cram way in the street. I look for a letter er day since last Wednesday nite, we have a mail every day here. I want you to send a letter er week, if not two a week. I will send two a week; I want you to do the same.

I think that you did a wise thing to sell the calve and fat the pig. We have plenty to eat here; it is quite healthy here. Last night there was a man found in the backhouse with his throat cut from ear to ear, it was the base (buner /bruner). What was the cause I do not know. I want to know how you and the children git along and how the cow does and how the garden is and if Abe Near will fix the backhouse. I think that we will stay here till next week. Winslow has ver ni two hundred men here. We expect Harne here today with 23 men. He is to Albany now. There is a world of men here and they keep going and come.

You state in your letter that you did not sleep in the bunk. Neither do I. I sleep on the floor. I and Jake. We have a good blanket double under us, two coats and a blanket over us. We sleep warm as mice.When we go away from here we may git a furlow. We have not seen the pay saddle yet. Just as soon as (sine) that we will git $30.00 from the government.

I left my money to Schenectady for Moalten to take to Male. I left $4.75 dollars in money and five hundred in bond. I will write to Male to pay up my debts and the rest of the money he will pay to you. The bond let him keep till it is due. I want you to buy such things as you need. Clothe yourself good and the children too.

I want to say a few words to Fren Walker that you must stick to Old Abe. You must have a mind of your own. Walk up to the polls and put in a clean tick for Old Abe. That is my policy.

James L. Christman

Saltspring ville (From James' brother Cyrenus)

Sept the 25, 1864

Dear Brother,

I received your letter last night with great pleasure and I was glad to hear from you. We are all well at present and I hope these few lines may find you in the same. Today is Sunday, the south wind blows quite hard and is quite chilly. We haint had any frost here yet. I saw William last night. I told him ( ? ) They are all well too. William he is all sound on the union question. I wished you and Jacob had let me know you had enlisted I would have come down before you had gone off. I had a letter from home last week. They are all ( ? ) I want you to write as soon as you get this and let me know how the soldiers feel about the election. Tell me if they go for Lincoln or for ( ? ) or not. I haint got much to (write for) now. Perhaps the next time I will write more. The Copperheads say that the soldiers will vote for Mack. I don't believe it. I hope you and Jacob will be good boys. You are (exposed) to danger and I hope that you will walk in the fear of the Lord and pray to God that He may sustain you and protect you in danger and lead you through safe and as you fight the battles of our country don't forget to fight the battles of our Lord and Master and even if you come to die you will gain a victory at the right hand of the Lord. Tell Jake to be faithful and I will pray for you. I must now bring my letter to a close. I have got to write one to (Henry Spencers Henry) Write as soon as you get this. Rese she is sleepy she lays on the bed so I must close. (Perhaps) you have heard that (Bar Malliker) and his wife has parted she slept with another man.

So I must go now So Good Nite

( ? ) your Brother

Cyrenius Christman

Root

Sunday Sept 26th, 1864

Dear Husband,

Yours of the 19th and 22nd I received last night and in answer will say we are all getting along tolerable smart except Millard and he is better but is bloated some yet. I will do with your money as you want me to as near as I can. I have not had any money yet and have not seen Mail Bowdish since last Monday. I hear the money is ready but for some cause it does not come and I will tell Mail to let you know how much is left after the debts are paid. I am glad you have plenty to eat. You must not get discouraged and do as the man did you found in the blockhouse. The cow does well. She ran away last night and went to your fathers and I guess she found something for she carries a good tail today. Our garden is good; potatoes a good crop and nice at that. Your father will fix the backhouse &c. As soon as I get the money I will get the children good warm comfortable clothing, and if you are willing, would like to get me a cloak. If the Sundays are as long to you as they are to me they are very long and lonesome. Oh, I forgot to tell you that I weigh 105 lbs; not quite fat enough to kill yet. Tell Jake to write a line or two in your letters. We want to hear how he likes his situation too. Bush and Aaron are in Millroche west Canada by the way of Ogdensburgh.

Yours as ever,

Harriet

Well friend Christman,

You need not have any fears about me for I am sound on Old Abe every time round, but I am a little fearful it will go tough with the old fellow but hope he will keep his seat another term. Sheridan has done a nice thing in the Shenendoah Valley keep doing old hop.

Jake

P.S.

Millard got his paper last night. Do you get any butter to eat? If you do not I will send you a can by and by. I would like to fetch you some potatoes and cook and mash them ready to eat. Millard says I wish Pa would come home for I want to see him. John got your likeness the other day and called Pa to it twice and said Pa you can't talk and then kissed it twice. Catty says when Pa comes home he shant go back I will stick to him.

Hart Island, New York

Friday, Sept the 30, 1864

Dear Wife and Children,

I send you a few lines that I am well and hope that you're the same. It is quite rainy here today. I expect to leave from here today. You must not write till you here from me again. I expect to leave er minute. I have signed the payroll. There is a transport in the bay ready for us. I looked last night for a letter but there was none. Jake got one. He has got his bounty. I should like to hear from you fore I leave here. If you write today I will not be here. I think they will send it on to me. There is a lot of Sharon boys here. They came here last night. I am glad that the potatoes is good. I haint had a potato since I been here. I would have my likeness taken but they want five dollars for it. I would rather send the money home then to give them that much for it. I should like to have you git your'ne and the children taken on cards and send them to me. I think that if there is any letter for me here tonight or tomorrow night they will be forn on to me. Just as soon as I land I will write. The report is here that we will go in the 13 heavy artillery that is in Fortress Monroe. The report came here last night that Capt. Winslow has sold us. They boys waire vengents against him that he would sell. I told the boys that rite off I want them to go in the 153. They feel sore over it. It does not trol me if we go in the heavy artillery. That is bet

(Letter incomplete)

Sily Point Verginey (Virginia)

October the 6, 1864

Dear Woman and Children,

I now send you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope that you're the same. I left Hart Isle last Saturday afternoon. I left before the mail came in. I think that thare is a letter for me. I wrote you one on Friday but you did not git it before you wrote to me. I was 4 days on water. It agreed well with me first rate. Jake was sick. Most of them on board was sick. It had no affect on me. We was 24 hours out of site of land. We landed at Fortress Monroe Tuesday. There we stayed over night then took steamer Calaborne to Sily Point.

I am within 7 miles of Peterburgh. I hear the guns roar here. There was here firing last night. Grant is within 2 miles of Richmond. I think that we will go to Washington. I can't tell how soon we will leave for our regiment. When I git to my regiment I will write so you can direct your letters.

Any how, write to me here:

Virginey, Sily Point

I haint got time to write at present. I wrote this on my knee. I send 20 cents to Millard which I got from the government.

Your Friend.

James L. Christman

7th A

City Point

Oct the 9, 1864

My Dear Woman and Children,

I now take time to write to let you know that I am well and hope you the same. I wrote to you that you should not write here, but I may stay here a week or to, so I want you to write as soon as you git this; I want to hear from rite off. I want to know all about my bounty; how much money is left?

We are at this place in camp; plenty to eat. Thare is plenty of Rebs here. Thare came in Friday night 4,000 prisoners; one Capt; a number of Lieutenants. They look tuff. They say their selves that they can't stand it long. They brought 200 head of cattle with them. It is very cold here today. So cold that we sit around the fire. I wrote to Jake Walker Friday that you should not answer a letter here for I thought that we would leave soon. But we may stay here a couple of weeks. I want you to write as soon as you read this. If I should leave fore I got it, it wouldn't be but 3 cents. I sent in your letter 20 cents for Millard. I want to know if there has been frost thare yet to hurt the buck(wheat). Buy some buck for to eat this winter; the cow want some too.

Just as soon as I can git to my regiment I will write to Wake. The cannon we hear. Fort Darlen is taken, at least that is the report here. I think that we will stay here some time. They made a mistake when they sent us off. We had oughted to stay to Harts Isle. They had oughted sent some other men off in stid of us. Our role has not come yet. I am tuff as a Bare. Jake was sick on the boat; he was not well yesterday.

It was cold enough to sleep with a woman last night. The women are very carse here. I have not seen a woman since I left Harts Isle. I want you to write rite off, and I will answer as soon as I git answer from you.

Direct your letter to:

City Point V.A.

James L. Christman

Chapins Farm

Sunday Oct the 23, 1864

Dear Harriet Christman,

Yours of the 14 came safe to hand and well pleased to hear from you, and we are all well and I hope you the same. I don't have much time to write now. We are on drill every day. This regiment was on drill yesterday and before we came in it snowed quite hard. We have had frost every morning since we have been here. Some have been ordered to build winter tents, but we won't stay here. The old soldier think that we will go to Washington and stay there this winter. Thare has bin no fighting here. I was glad to see Daniel Lendersom here. He is well and Charles Lyker. They came here to see me. I want you to write how much money is left and how many potatoes you have. So while I set here the canvas came to build tents with. So we may stay here this winter. When we hut up for winter quarters I want you to send me a box of victuals and gloves. We have had our dinner. We had bread and butter and a meat potato. We have plenty to eat. Daniel Lenderson sits by me now. I and Daniel and Jake have just bin to meetin.

Now Harriet, I want you to write as often as you can all about your folks. If they are all well, and you must git some buckwheat for this winter. I want to know if your wood is sawed and split and hold in the shop. You must fix the stove pipe where it goes in the chimney. I must close this letter.

So good bye Harriet,

James L. Christman

Company K
142 Regiment N.Y.S. Vols
1st Brigade 2nd Division
10th Army Corp
Fortress Monroe, Virginia

Hattie, I will send you this (something unreadable for the children)

Chafins Farm

Saturday (After October 27) 1864

Respected Wife,

I received a letter from you Friday morning saying you was well. I was glad to hear from you. Your letter came to me on the battleground. I am well and so is Jake. We are now both write a letter home to let you know that through the hand of Providence that we was spared. I and Jake and Varne are left to tell the story. The morn of the 27 at five o'clock we marched about 4 miles and due up in line of battle and throwed out the skin m. line thay kept to work all day. At five o'clock we made a charge on the Rebs; went within 200 yards of thare works. Thay had a cross shot on us. It last about ¾ of hour. Thay poured the canster and grape on us like hail. It seem that thare cod not be that thare could come a man out, but through the hands of Providence that we was spared. They had a crossfire on us; they throwed in thare canster and grape by the bushel. We poured in the lead to them, a perfect storm. I could here them say, "Oh boys, I am shot!" Thare was five boys in this company killed and one wounded. We fell back about a mile and camp thare for the night. In the morn I got your letter I was glad to here from you. We lost our orderly. He was shot thru the head. I am sorry for he was a fine man. The Lieutenant was wounded in the shoulder by a spent ball.

I tend to look out for myself in such times.

We was within 4 miles of Richmond. I could hear the bell ring. The 18 corps was on our right. They was up to Faire Oak or Seven Pines. Jake had a close call. A ball went through his cape and his coat ( ? ) and came through the cape in front.

I want you to write all about my money, how much is left? You did not say anything about it in this letter. I am writing on my knee. I can't write good. I should like to know how the weather is and if it has been a nice fall. It rained here for the first time Friday. Since I have been here we have had frost night; cold night and warm days. I must close now.

So Good bye Harriet,

This is company K

James L. Christman

(Stationary)
U.S. Christian Commission
Sends this as the Soldier's messenger to his Home.
Let it hasten to those who wait for tidings.
"Behold! Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

CENTRAL OFFICE:
11 Bank Street, Philadelphia
BRANCH OFFICE
10th and H Streets, Washington

Chapins Farm

Nov the 2, 1864

Dear Harriet and Children, I now take time to send you a few lines to let you know that I and Jake are well and hope you the same. Thare is nothing new this week so far though I think that we will leave here soon. Jake Moshele has gone to the hospital. He has a fever. He left here last Saturday. All those who was wounded and sick they have give furlow for 30 days. Henry Gardenier who came with us from Argusville was killed in the charge that we made. I want you to write whether Jake has got my note yet.

I got a letter from father Saturday. He said he was to see you and you was washing. He said that Jake Walker had not got my vote yet. He said you was go to Leatherville to a political meetin; should like to know what was the news; what John Boudish has to say. I should like to know what Fran had to say when he was home. Whether he is coming back to the paternal homestead or not.

When we fell back from battle we stayed in a old fort that McClellen had built. It rained all night. In the mornin the boys thought they was again to make another charge; then they began to grunt, "I am sick, I wish I was in camp again". It was but a little while the orders came to march to camp, then they were all well enough.

I think that I will weigh 25 five lbs more now then when I left home. I haint bin sick since I left home. I wrote the most of this letter last night. I thought I would git a letter this morning but thare is none so I will close this and send it on. It is quite cold this morning. The air feels like snow. I should like to have a pair of gloved and a pair of socks sent to me. I have no small change at present for Catherin but I will send her and John a primer in this letter and (soon?) I write another I will send Millard and Delmur one. I should like to see John. I want to know if he grows, whether he can saw wood, and if he can fetch the cow. I want to hear something about my tools; if they are at home. I want you to see to them; not let anyone have them.

I will send this letter out today so you will git it Saturday. Harriet, I should think you cold right? Probably Jake has his hands of work; he can't write. I must now close; Jake is gone dinner; we have fish for dinner and coffee. We have plenty to eat. Write as often as you can. I want to know all about my money. Be sure and write about it.

So good morning Harriet,

James L. Christman

(Stationary)
U.S. Christian Commission
Sends this as the Soldier's messenger to his Home. Let it hasten to those who wait for tidings.
"Behold! Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

CENTRAL OFFICE:
11 Bank Street, Philadelphia
BRANCH OFFICE
10th and H Streets, Washington

Nov the 4, 1864

Dear Harriet and Children, Yours of the 30 came safe here this morning. I was glad to hear that you was well. I and Jake are well at present. I wrote a few lines to Mr. Walker today. I thought that would answer for you both, but I thought I would write a few lines to you tonight about the money. I want you to have money enough to buy clothes for you and the children. Tell Male to let you there enough to buy clothes. Just as soon as I git some I will send it to you. I think that I will draw some this month. Take this letter to him and git $50.00 dollars. That will start you so I can keep you in money. After this I want you to save as much as you can.

You said that you had not got your wood sawed yet. If you depend on George to saw it you will never git it sawed. You must try and git someone else and pile it in the shop. You must git someone to bank the house so your potatoes don't freeze. Git Papy to fix the backhouse.

I want you to tell Male to write to me if he has settled my business up yet. I should like to know how much money is left. I don't hear nothin about it. It don't seem rite to me. Your letter before this I got on the battlefield; it was sharp fightn. My old gun spoke for itself. I suppose you have seen it in the paper fore this time; the 142 Regiment made the charge.

I should like to have once in a while a journal sent to me. Write how Mr. And Mrs. Walker git along. I don't hear nothin from them. It is quite muddy here. They put me right in the harness. I stood on picket last night. It rained all night. In the mornin I could see the Rebs. I heard a rooster crow for the first time since I left home. I should like to have you to git your likeness taken and the children on cards and send them to me as soon as you can. I should like to have you to send me a pair of gloves and two pair of socks as soon as you can. We have cold nights here. Write as often as you can and as soon as you can / I must close. It is now role-call, 8 o'clock.

So good nite Harriet,

James L. Christman

In this I will send a primer to Millard and Delmer. When I draw some money from the government I will send the rest of them some. Catty, you and John must behave good.

Root

Nov 6th, 1864

Respected Husband,

I received your letter of the 23 of Oct last night, am glad to hear you are well, but live in fear all the time. The next news I hear will be that you are killed or wounded. We are all well at present and doing as well as we can. There was left after paying all the debts against you $137.13 cts and I have had now $95.55 cts with $50.00 he paid me today which leaves in his hands $41.58 cts which he says he will pay me the last of this week and I will use it as saving as I know how to. This last week we have had rather disagreeable weather, some flurries of snow but today it is quite warm again and looks some like rain. I have got the potatoes all dug and we think there is forty bushels of them and they are nice.

Lewis Van Alstine, Lewis Grandys, John and David Halenbeck are all dead. I have attended one map meeting at Argusville and I saw the most people that I ever saw together. It was a big turnout for a rather nasty day one week ago tomorrow.

You spoke in a former letter about my sending you some provisions. When you want some write what you want and I will send it to you if possible. I don't see how I can spare any money for your father for it uses up money so fast to get thing that we need. Pap says they are all well and he wants you to send Mother a negro wench to help her.

Your Harriet

To James L Christman

Sunday Nov 6th 1864

Friend Christman,

Your very welcome letter came to hand in due time and we are very glad to hear from you that you are well &c, &c. ( ? ) other Lons, I don't know if I shall succeed in making myself interesting but I will (resolve) to (sum) the ( ? ) We are having pretty live stories here politically speaking there is a meeting about every day somewhere about here & it takes considerable time to see them all. I went to Cobleskill last Tuesday to here old Daniel S. Dickins and I tell you I were well afraid for trouble. He is a full team I tell you. Oh Boy how he comes down on Copperheads. If I was one I should not like to hear him. I could not stand it. I sould ( ? ) as it comes so thick & fast nobody can resist it. They tell us here that the soldiers are not permitted to vote unless they vote for Old Abe. ( ? ) Lon how is it. Did they tell you who you must vote for or did you use your own judgement in the matter. Of course I don't believe any such stuff as it is only an electionering story. But then I thought I would ask the soldiers themselves to see what they would say in regard to it. Well (now) one shall soon know ( ? ) will be Uncle (Abrahams) (honest) (comfort) (worthy) or the ( ? ) General who they say supports the rebels (ah) the ( ? ) days fight & ordered a retreat every night that's one way to go to Richmond I think.

Well Lon, your family are all well I believe.

We have had good news all along back from all points. Glad to hear it and hope the Rebel ( ? ) may soon be crushed, war ended, and all the boys permitted to come home. I do not however (make the most) ( ? ) principles of the Chicago Surrender No Never and I don't believe the army wants it to close on such dishonorable terms. I don't believe there is one honest mind in that platform and if you have it can you find one single mood in it denouncing anybody but President Lincoln not one word against the rebellion. And why? because it is not very natural for anybody to speak harshly of their friends.

Now Lons let no hope that Old Abe will be elected and Old Seymore be consigned to that oblivion which he so richly merits. Can any New York soldier so stupefy his conscience as to cast his vote for the man who would and did as long as he could deceive the soldiers of the right privilege of voting ( ? ) it ( ? )

Well Sons, write me soon and receive this from your friend,

Benj. W. Brower

Chapin Farme

Nov the 12, 1864

Respected Wife and Children,

I received you letter of the 6 Friday morning about 4 o'clock. So dark I could not read it. We was called out; suppose to make an attack. We march about 2 miles and form a line of battle, but no Rebs to be seen. We sit down til it was light and then I took the letter and read it. I was glad to hear that you was well. I and Jake are well and hope this may find you and the children the same.

We have been called out every mornin this week at 3 o'clock. They thought the Rebs would examine in on the right of us. They drove in our picket then fell back. I am glad that you have got your money. You will want it all before the year is up. If you don't want to use it all at present let some one have it til you want to use it. I was glad to hear that you have so many potatoes. You must bank the house good or they will freeze this winter. I thought that you won't agonto write any more; I did not get a letter in so long time. I heard the day before I got your letter that John Grandy was dead and I saw in the paper that Lewis Van Alstine was dead.

It is quite cold here today. I was on guard duty last night and this forenoon. I want you to send me a pair of gloves as soon as you can. The wind blows quite hard and it rains hard. The roads are very bad. The opinion is here that Old Abe is elected again. Good luck to the old man, I wish him a long life and a merry one.

I heard a sharp fire on the picket line a few minutes ago. I thought the Rebs was coming but one hundred of (our) men just came in. The Rebs fired at them, but they got in our lines safe, Thare is not a night but what they come in more or less. I want you to write as often as you can. Thare is no one thinks more of a letter from home then a soldier does. It is worth more to him then all the gold you ever saw.

In the next letter you send me, send .33. postage stamps. I got .33. stamps when I was to Harts Isle. They are all used up. Don't forget to send them and a pair of gloves. I want you to send me the next week paper. I want to know if Frances Hoag is elected or not. When I git in winter quarters then I will rite for you to send me a box of things. I have wrote two letters two Wake and have not got any from him. Maybe he is to work in his harvest and has no time. If so I will forgive him. Lime Grandys John was wounded in the thigh. He went in the 153 Regiment. This is all at present.

From your Husband,

James L. Christman

Caty, I want you to sing these verse in this paper.

Root

Nov 13th, 1864

Dear Husband,

Yours of the 4th came safe to hand last night and I sit down to answer. I was glad to hear you and Jake are well and rugged and I hope you will remain so. We are all well at present. I believe Mail has settled the debts all up and I wrote you a statement of the matter last Sunday which I suppose you have got before this time. There you will find the whole matter. You write to have some kind of Journal sent to you and I do not know what kind of Journal you want; and, you must write what way you must have them sent your socks and gloves I mean. I will get my wood sawed as soon as I can. Jakes two oldest children were here Friday and dunned me for five dollars they said you had borrowed of Jake and I did not pay it because you have not told me to pay it. Ike Fero and I settled the other day and he charged me $2.50 cts on the waggon you fixed for him and the springs he has got off your waggon. Is that all right?-tell me.

It is a rough day here today. It has snow squalled here all day and is cold and blusterin. This is the first snow we have had and it is about two inches deep now and keeps squalling. The folks about here are generally well except some of Paris Hoags children have not entirely well of the scarlet fever yet and some of Jake Walkers children are quite sick. Old Mr Walkers folks are quite well as usual. Old Abe stays in the White House and Governor Semour has to leave the Governors chair. Hurrah for our side! A majority of the people north are loyal yet do you see. Write as often as anything new happens and I will do the same.

I tell you Lons, the copperheads faces are as long as a horses bad on them I don't know whether they will live through it or not for they appear dangerous.

Your Harriet

By Jake Walker

Nov the 20, 1864

Dear Friend,

I now take the opportunity to write you a few lines to let you know how we get along. We are all well at present and I hope these few lines will find you enjoying the same health. I received your letter and was glad to hear that you was well. My wish is that your health may be good while you are there. I hope that we may meet again. I was home about 4 weeks ago. I was at your house but did not see you there.

Well, now about this country. It is a very good country. The land was good, the crops was good this year; corn can't be beat very well. There is lots of wood chopping; I shall draw wood this winter, I think it is a very good business. You wanted to know how the weather was here. It is pleasant today, we have had a little snow here but it is all gone now. The most fault with this country is no fruit. I would rather be in New York State than to live here if there was no war in the states, but at present I would prefer living here. I think before the war ends a good many will think as I do. I would like to know what your thoughts was in battle, or rather, fighting the enemy. I think my thought would be the next shot will hit me. You said in your letter that you thought Old Abe would live in the White House 4 years more.

( Next sentence unreadable)

I got you letter but had to pay for it again. I don't care anything about paying for the letter again but I suppose you paid for it, so I will tell you how to send it. Either put on 4 three cent stamps or 1 ten cent stamp or don't put any on no more, OK? Present good be for this time. Write as soon as you can Mr C & your letter to

Aaron Vosburgh

Liminburg, Canada West

From Aaron

To James L Christman

There is lots of that here too (some type of sketch, possibly pornographic in nature)

Salt spring ville

November the 22, 1864

Dear Brother,

I now set down to answer your letter. I was glad to hear from you and to hear that you was well, We are all well at present. I have got a big bile on my (cist/wrist) it is rite on the point I can hardly write but I thought it was my duty to write you a few lines to let you know that I had received your letter. I was to Williams (4 easter) day they are all well at present (mentions something about having him come down for Thanksgiving) I wish you and Jake was here to help eat it we would have a good time of it. Yesterday was foggy here and last night it rained and this morning it snowed the ground is covered with snow. Suppose you have warm weather where you are it isn't very cold here. I killed hogs last week. I wish you had a link of sausage. You wanted to know who was county clerk. His name is James Brookman a democrat. Jake knows him. He lives in our ( ? ) There was some republicans voted him but I did not. The Copperheads are all (set) about ( ? ) The late election has proved all that the most sanguine could have desired. Mr. Lincoln is reelected by an overwhelming majority. No previous election in the later years has been marked by such entire unanimity. This broad national endorsement settles the policy of the government for the next four years and prostrates the hopes of the rebellion forever. The rebels long ago gave up their cherished hope of foreign intervention and they will have to give up their still more cherished hope of home intervention from the proslavery democracy their natural ally and one with them in every battle against freedom. They now have nothing to expect. That party is dead and buried so deep that it will never have a resurrection in this state. The victory achieved as it was under the pleasure of adverse circumstances is one of the grandest political triumphs ever witnessed. Seymore made every vice and every misfortune contribute to his (re)election but all would not do and he spit like lucifer from heaven ( ? ) whiskey treason and forgery for months held his good prospects. This quarternian of devils boasted that their master and exponent would surely succeed by it (last) twenty five thousand majority but thanks be to God he is defeated. He sank (us/his) head into the mighty waters never to rise again among honest men. The Empire State is again in line. We have a loyal government and an honest legislature. I must close it is mail time you must write soon.

No more at present

From your Brother

C. Christman

A few lines to Jacob

Dear Brother I was glad to hear from you. We are well at present and I hope these few line may find you the same. I haint much to write there haint much more the copperheads are (all dead) Eaphraim Eadick is dead. He died with the fever. He was buried last Sunday. You said that Warren was not heard I heard in the letter said ( ? ) he said a piece of a shell hit him on the ( ? ) and it wounded his toes he said his toes fell as if they were ( ? )

Root

Nov 27th, 1864

Dear Husband,

I received a letter from you Saturday night and was glad to hear that you and Jake are well yet. We are all well yet and hope these few lines will find you the same. I sent your gloves and one pair of socks one week ago today on. Jim Groot sent them for me by express. If they have gone on safe I suppose you have got them by this time, and I hope they have gone safe for your gloves cost $1.50 one dollar and fifty cents. The children told Pap the wenches had all gone to Canada before election so you could not send them one but you thought they would come back since uncle Abe is elected then you would send them one. It made Pap grin and look as foolish. I do not know where Hank is. Your father will be here today or tomorrow then I will ask him where he is and write to you. So far I have answered every letter you have written to me but one and shall answer every one I get from you. I will get our likeness taken as soon as I can and send them to you, but it is very muddy here now and going bad. There has been three or four inches of snow and it has thawed almost off and is a nasty time now.

I want you to come home about the holidays. Then we will have a New Years feast of fat things you see. I am getting short up for money. You must send me some as soon as you can for I have not got what I want for winter yet. You must hurry and get your house done and if they won't let you come home I will come down there this winter and live with you. Write and I will answer.

Good morning Mr. Christman,

Harriet

Chapins Farm

Nov the 27, 1864

Respected Wife and Children,

Yours of the 20 came safe to hand last night and glad to hear that you was well. I and Jake are well and hope and hope you and the children the same. I have bin so busy the last week at work that I could not write. I have just came off picket and I feel sleepy. We go out on picket in the morning and come in the next morning. It was quite cold this last week. It frost quite hard. It rains this afternoon. We have had no snow yet. I have look some time for them gloves but have not got them yet; I think they will come tonight.

I got a letter from Cyrenius this morning; they are well. He says he wisht I had a link of sausage; they have killd hogs. I wish I had a piece. You can send me a box of victuals as soon as you want to; it will come good any time. Send me some mulcake and butter and a box of (hard) pills. The papers came safe to hand and was glad to see Journel but have had no time to read them.

On Friday of last week there was a man shot for desertion. Thare was about 4,000 men present. That was the hardest site I ever saw. I was about 50 yards from him when he was shot so dead that he never stirred. Then we marched up to him and saw where the ball hit him; two in his heart, one in his right breasr; one in his left cheek. He stood up like a man. I never want to see such a site again. Thare was a good many shed tears for him.

I should like to tend meeting this afternoon but I thought I would write a few lines to you; let you know what I was about. I am glad that you have started then gloves on. I want them bad. It is about as cold here as it is home. I want you to send me a box of victuals, then when that is gone, Jake will git a box. I want a box of pills and some camthur gum and butter and nutcake and cook sausage and anything you want to send. Write as often as you can. I should like to have you git your likeness and the children taken and send them to me. Thare is one thing I like to forgot. That is about the way of Ike (Ticer). I don't owe him anything. He said he would git Lou.g or div to put on the dash. I want you to git the spring if he don't give it up rite and I will put some man after him. He owes me for the steps he got off my wagon. Don't you give him a cent and tell Jake Walker to tell him what I say; and write as soon as you can.

James L. Christman

I want you to pay Jake wife $5 dollars for me; that is alright. I will write to Jake Walker as soon as I can. Tell him so.

Root

November 27, 1864

Respected Friend James Le,

With pleasure I take this opportunity of answering your very welcome letter and first of all I say Hurrah, Hurrah, for the triumph of patriotic principles over the narrow, mean (temperable), devilish, Jeff Davis-ish, sent of resolutions adopted at Chicago by the Copperhead Traitors professing to be the representatives of the democratic party. I presume the great majority of the soldiers are just as much gratified with the result (in as one) union men are at home. Anything the Rebels may now depend upon, namely submission to the constitution and laws of the land, or extermination. This I think they plainly read from the emphatic manner in which the people declared in favor of the reelection of President Lincoln. How do you think (Leette Mack) feels now? I think he must feel very small indeed. Three little states gave him majorities which you of course have seen. But it would still have been but half a victory if old fault finding "No Draft" Seymore had went ( in/un/n/happed) of justice. There was not traitors enough in the Empire State to reelect him. Probably if they could have got enough Dead Soldiers to vote for him including (Dry Goods) Boxes he might have again disgraced the executive office. But General Dix & Butler are too (mean) for him. I think I can see some signs at least of a disposition on the part of some of the papers of the south to return to their allegiance. Hope it may amount to a reality so that the boys may all come home.

Well Sons, how are you getting along. Do you stand it well & do you like it as well as you expected? I saw Jake put in your vote for old Abe. I wrote you after I received your first letter but Jake says the last letter he got you had not had a letter from me yet. I (dircated) as you told me.

We are plowing yet. Old (Clafrey) Vanderveer is dead. Copperheads about here feel some enough over the election. You know who I mean.

Now Sons, write me after and I will answer. With my best wishes for your safety & return I remain yours ( ? )

(Benj) W. Brower

Your family are well.

Give my respects to all the boys who knows me for you know I am well disposed towards the soldiers.

Chapins Farm

Dec the 3, 1864

Respected Wife,

Yours of the 28 came safe to hand yesterday and the gloves, and I will say first that I and Jake are well and hope this may find you the same. I was glad to hear that you was and the children are well. I have not had much time to write this week. The gloves was not directed write. You should have put on "New York State Volunteers". I don't know when you sent them. They did not come here till yesterday.

We have got our tent done and live in it. We sleep warm and nice. I wish you could see our situation. We have the streets graded up. It is nice; we have good times, plenty amusement to keep a man in good spirits, time pass fast.

The weather has been nice and warm this week. I am glad that you sent me a pair of stockings for these are about worn out. You spoke that your money was most gone; you must be savin of it. I don't think I will draw any till the last of this month, then I will send it to you as soon as I git it.

I want you to write as often as you can. When you send me a box, send a pound of tobacco, fine cut is coarse here. I want to know how much the pig weighs and (letter incomplete)

Chapins Farm

Dec the 7, 1864

Respected Wife,

I now take time to let you know that I and Jake are well and hope this may find you the same. Thare has bin a change in army since I last wrote to you. The division and the brigade is the same but the corps is called the 24 corps. We have orders to march. Where I don't know. We have everything pack, ready to march. I have but little time to write but I will let you know that we are agonto leave this place; when I git to the place where we intend to go I will write to you. Jake got a letter from home Esther said that you had bought a half of beef. Write how much you gave a pound for it. Write as soon as you can. The letter will foller me up where ever I go. Thare has bin some talk we will go to North Caroline, but I can't tell where we will go. The 10 corps and the 18 corps have been put together and now is called the 24 corps. I have a hard place to write. Everything is tore up; ready to march.

I must close, so good afternoon,

James L. Christman

Be sure to put N.Y.S.V. on the envelope.

Root

Dec 11th, 1864

Respected Husband,

Yours of the 3rd came safe to hand last night and was glad to hear that you are well yet. We are all enjoying good health. I am glad that you received your gloves and socks. They charged me one dollar freight on them. That with the cost was too much to loose. Tomorrow I shall start a box of victuals for you and they tell me that will cost me five dollars freight and that will take the last money I have got - but let it go - as long as it is for your comfort I will pay the last cent I have. The pig I did not weigh, but we think it weighed over one hundred pounds. We have about six inches of snow here now and is quite like winter. I send you some over five lbs of butter, beans, sausages, cake bread and mince pies, 1 lbs of tobacco, cheese, dried apples and berries, bottled pepper sauce, tea, sugar, dutch cheese, green apples and one pair of socks.

Ike Fero wants to buy them springs and steps and wants to know what you will take for them. Write down what you will take. We enclosed a letter from Aaron to you the last letter I wrote so you will know as much about them as we do.

John asked me this morning if they should not go fox hunting today. If Grand-Pap had not taken the gun off we would go. The turnips did not amount to much; not bigger than walnuts. Millard says we feed you good. Hiram Littles wife has got another boy by tight nippin. I guess this box will make you think of home.

Yours as ever,

Harriet

No room at the bottom so I will put my name at the top.

J.B. Walker

Now Jake Walker will write a line to an old friend. The saw mill I think will be for sale this spring as Sol Hubbs intends to go in a cheese factory over the river and means to sell out and I think it would be good property for you to buy. He asks six hundred and fifty dollars for it and you can pay for it easy by turning out your bond. If you want me to do or say anything write to me and I will do anything I can do for you cheerfully. Write and let me know. I wrote you last week about it which I suppose you have got by this time.

Root

Dec 25th, 1864

Respected Husband,

The last letter I had from you, you said when you got where you could write you would do so. It is now about two weeks since I received a letter from you and it seems a long while. I hear there has been some heavy fighting and I am afraid you have been in it. We have had some severe weather here. Snow about fifteen inches deep on the level and Friday the thermometer was down to four degrees below zero. We are all well at present and hope this may find you the same.

We have all been to your fathers today. They are well. George took us over there. Charles Little is dead. He died about two weeks ago with a rush of blood to the head. He lived only twelve hours from the time he was taken John Grandy. Limes John is dead; died from a wound received with Sheridan. Serenes have got another boy. I would like to if you have got your box of victuals yet and how you liked it.

Yours as ever,

Harriet

Sol Hubbs does not know yet whether he will go in that factory or not but he said he would not take six hundred dollars for his mill and if he does not go away he does not want to sell his house or mill. When he makes up his mind I will write you all about it. I wish you would write about that inch and a quarter auger whether it is mine or not for Abe Near claims it as yours.

Your Friend,

J.B. Walker

Root

Jany 2nd, 1865

Dear Husband,

Yours of the twenty second of last month I received last night and was glad to hear from you. It seemed a long time since I heard from you, about three weeks. I am glad to hear you are yet alive and well. We are all well and it is severe cold here now. Bad snow drifts. I expected to hear you was drowned or some other bad thing. My beef weighed 196 lbs a yearling heffer and I paid 6 & 7 cts per lb for it. I will send word to Jakes folks as soon as I can.

Three weeks ago I sent you a box of victuals and you have not said anything about it. It had in it all cooked two mince pies, 1 roast chicken, pail butter, pan of pork & beans, sausages, dried berries, can of tobacco, a lot of nut cakes, 1 ( ? ) cake, 2 loaves bread, ½ lb tea, bottle pepper sauce, dried apples and green apples, 2 lbs of sugar, 1 pair of socks & box of yankee notions. You do not tell of receiving a letter from me and I write every week.

Sol Hubbs has not made up his mind firm yet to sell. When he does I will let you know but he says he won't take less than six hundred and fifty dollars for his mill and eleven hundred for house and mill.

As ever,

Harriet

( Something apparently happened in 1879. On this letter there is an arithmetic calculation subtracting 1865 from 1879 to get 14 years)

Chapin Farm

January the 2, 1865

My deare Wife,

Yours of the 28 came safe to hand Sunday and glad to hear that you was well. I am not well at present. I was taken last night vomitin and cold chills but I don't think it will last long.

We was 23 days on water and most of the time out sight of land, and no place to sleep; only on deck in all the storms. On the 21 of December the sea was very rough; so rough that we had to throw 7 horses overboard. A man could not stand on his feet. We came back to camp Friday night last. I was glad to git back in camp. It has froze quite hard here and is cold. Saturday morning I got the box you sent me and all the trappins in it came in a good time for I felt as though I could eat a good meal. For dinner today I had a good cup of tea and berry.

We went to North Caroline and we land on the shore below Fort Fisher. About three miles from the fort the gun boat poured in the shells about 20 minutes. We shot off their flag staff. It fell on the fort and one of our boys went up and got it. It was a nice flag. Then we marched up to the fort in line of battle. The Johnny crawl in thare burn (proof). We took two 280 prisoners. I never saw such a poor loot of boys. They look as if they came out of a coal mine. I want you to send me some postage stamps. Those that I have got wet and all stick together. Send me 12 stamps in your next. Write as soon as you can.

I want to give that auger to Jake Walker. It belong to him. We will git paid off this month and then I will send it to you. Just as soon as they pay me off I will send it to you. Write as often as you can. I will write more some other time. Be sure and return that auger.

James L. Christman

Root

Jany 8th, 1865

Respected Husband,

Yours of the 2nd came safe to hand last night and I was glad to hear from you but was sorry to hear you was sick. I hope you will soon get well. We are all well at present. I was glad to hear that you had got your box of victuals. I was afraid you would never get it. We are having a tough winter here this winter. The thermometer this morning was ten degrees below zero, and every snow we have a severe blow. I intend to go over the river this week visiting if nothing happens but that need not hinder you from writing to me for I will be home to read it. You did not say anything about your victuals; whether they were spoiled or sound. Is there any prospect of your coming home this winter or not?

Yours as ever,

Harriet Christman

Friend Christman,

Respecting the saw mill you had better buy it if you mean to, for Sol tells me he has had two buyers within three days. He will take eleven hundred dollars for house and mill or six hundred and fifty dollars for his mill. If you want to buy you had better make up your mind soon before someone else gets it. Abe Near has been after it, Ed Montauge has been after it for Charles, and I hear Dave Allen thinks of buying it. Make up your mind and write immediately and tell what you want done and who you want to do in the matter and no mistake.

Your friend and well wisher,

J.B. Walker

P.S.

Sol has set his whole lot full of fruit trees this fall.

J.B.W

Dear Friend Christman,

As I was to fathers and they was writing I thought I would say a word. My wife and I are home visiting; we are well and doing well. I was sorry to hear you was sick. I hope you will get better. Soon it is very cold here. I think of staying in Otsego another year yet as it is a better place there for a man to get work. I would like to have you write me a letter and I will answer it.

Yours truly to James L. Christman

From J.H. Walker

Raleigh N.C.

The 26, 1865

My Dear Wife,

I received a letter from you and Jake Walker last night staten (how) you was; and (I am) glad to hear from you. I am well and hope this may find you the same. I got some money last night and send you $40 dollars by Express to Canajoharie and you must go and git it. I sent it in your name. Git your Pap to take you to Canajoharie and git it; you will have to go and git it because it is sent in your name. We leave this place today, where to, I can't say. I want you to write just as soon as you git your money so I will know whether you git it or not. I must close now. Good bye.

James L. Christman

Write often as you can.

Raleigh N.C.

The 29, 1865

My Dear Wife and Children, I now take time to write a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope this may find you the same. I sent you $40 dollars by express to Palatine Express Office in your name and you must go and git it, and write mw as soon as you git it so I will know you have it.

This war is close; no more fighting to do. But I don't think we will git home until our time is out. I had a letter from W. Link and one from Bush. They are all well. When I wrote to you before, we had orders to leave here, but the Rebel General Johnson surrendered. That saved us from makin a charge on him. He surrendered er thing he had to old Billy Sherman.

Tell Mary Catherine Coonradt I saw her brothers here yesterday. They are well and start for home tomorrow mornin. We are in the 10 corps now. The 10 and 23 corps stay here until things are settled. I will send you the receipt that the chaplin gave me when he expressed my money and you must keep it. Be sure and not loose it.

Write soon,

James L. Christman

Fort Caswell N.C.

February the 1, 1865

My Dear Wife and Children, It is some time since I heard from you. It is some over a month since I have had a letter. I see in this letter you have gone a visitin. I should like to know how they all git along over the river. Hante Bolt agonto write me a letter? If he does I will answer.

I hant seen a drop of snow hear; this is a queer winter for me. I hante seen but once a little snow this winter; that was in Virginia the 2 day of January. I like it better here then I did Virginia. It warm here; the weather is here now like like it is the first of April thare. I want you to write as soon as you can. I think that we will stay here the balance of my time. I want to know if you have hay enough for the cow. If you hant you must buy some.

Root

eby 2nd, 1865

Dear Husband,

I received a letter from you Tueday night dated the 18th of January and was very glad to here from you. I was afraid to hear that you was killed or wounded but I feel thankful that you have escaped thus far. I knew you was in the fight at the taking of Fort Fisher and of the blowing up of the magazine, and was afraid you was among the killed or wounded. We are all well. The children are as rugged as they ever was and we are all as well as usual.

Abe Near has bought Sol Hubbs house and lot and saw mill for eleven hundred dollars. I have been to Johnstown; found the folks all well. Uncle Aaron and uncle James B. Putman both want you to write to them and say they will answer you.

Do you remember how much you owe Charles Hubbs? He says you owed him five dollars. He says we had a shoulder of a hog and I do not remember our having a shoulder of him - if you do, write and let me know. Our old stove has give out so that I can't bake in it at all and I thought I would write to see if I could get a new one. Did your box do you much good? or did you have to leave it before it was eat up, or was some of it spoiled? Samuel I. Walker is quite sick and the doctor does not talk very encouraging about him. Have you seen anything of William Hanson or Peets John? They say they are in your regiment.

Jonny and Catty think you do better by Millard than you do by them so you will have to send them something.

Yours as ever,

Harriet Christman

Did you get your last post stamps?

Friend Christman,

We have a severe winter here; the lanes keeping full of snow. How much snow have you in North Carolina? How do you like soldiering? How far are you from Charleston? What kind of fish do you catch? Did they spoil your gun by shooting it? Will you do some work for me next fall when you get home? Do you get a little sine once in a while? Have you took dead aim at a Rebel yet and pulled on him? Write soon and give a description of the country to your friend.

Jacob B. Walker

Fort Caswell N.C.

February the 15, 1865

My Dear Wife and Children,

I received a letter from you dated Feby 2nd and was glad to here you was well. I and Jake are well and hope this may find you the same. I was glad to here that the folks was all well over the river. Did any of the children go with you over the river?

You stated in your letter that I owed Charles Hubbs five dollars. I never have had a shoulder of him; I had a half ton of hay, six lbs of pork and some buckwheat flour - I think fifteen or 16 lbs. That is all I er had of him. I don't want you to pay for a shoulder for I hant had any. Fouthmore, I don't want you to pay anyone without my consent. I wrote to you that I did not owe Ike Fero a cent. What extra work Gordon done to his wagon I am not a gotten paid a dime, just as I agreed and you wrote that you have give him $2.50. You might as well stuck that money in the fire. I owe Wake for 9 bunch of shingles and as soon as I some money I will pay him.

I want you to write as often as you can and tell Jake Walker to write. Put yours letters in one envelope. I got them stamps you sent. I don't know as I have much to write at present, so I will close with a few lines to Jake Walker. Please hand it to him.

I will send you some money to pay Charles Hubbs and I will state the articles: half ton of hay, six lbs of pork, 16 lbs of buckwheat flour, and I chopt wood for him five days which come to five dollars. This is all at present. Good day.

James L. Christman

Give this ring to Caty, and this wire to Jake Walker.

Root

Feby 19th, 1865

Dear Husband,

Yours of the 9th inst came safe to hand last night and I was glad to hear from you. It was two weeks last Friday since I had a letter from you. Since that time this is the third letter I have written you. I write about two letters to you , to your one to me. We are all well at present and hope this will find you the same. We have a very severe winter here this year. Snow two feet deep in the woods and very cold and blustering. My hay I think will last until the middle of March. Abe Near has bought Sol Hubbs out for eleven hundred dollars, so that chance is gone, But Abe says he thinks now he will sell you half the mill when you come back if you want it. I was to your fathers last Monday; they are well. He is coming to cut me some wood. Our neighbors are all well except Mr. Samuel Walker; he is rather failing this winter. Jake Walker will send you a paper as soon as he gets one with the Battle of Fort Fisher. Write oftener, for I want to hear from you often.

So good bye for the present.

Yours as ever,

Harriet Christman

Friend Lons,

I have read about your taking Fort Fisher and will send you a pater as soon as I see one with a full account in it.

J.B.W

You don't say whether you got the stamps I sent you or not.

Harriet

Fort Caswell N.C.

February the 21, 1865

Respected Wife and Children,

I received a letter from you Saturday of last week stating you was well. I am well and hope this may find you the same. You say your stove has give out and you want to git another. Well, if you buy one, git a good one; I am willin. I think you had better git one like Jake Walker; small size. I should like to know how your hay lasts; if you will have enough.

Where is Sol again this spring? When Abe is agonto move; whether he has bought it alone; who is agonto help him saw. I am glad I did not git it. He wanted to much for it. What has Sol done with his shingle machine?- or did Abe git it. Does Millard and Catty go to school this winter?- How does Johnny and Delmur agree. Can Johnny take him down yet? I want you to see to my tools, that they don't git lost. Keep them in the shop.

It lacks five days from today, my time will be half out. Time goes fast. It seems a short time ago to me but long to you. We got good news here last night. The downfall of Charleston and Fort Anderson. I felt as I could give 3 cheers for its destruction. The gun boats have gone up to Fort French. I think that we will stay here the rest of our time. I think that I won't come home till my time is out.

Has Abe Near got many logs to the mill? Can you keep warm this winter? Will your wood last till warm weather? What does George do this winter? Has Heyrum Little catch any fox this winter?

I should like to have you send me a paper. Send me your likeness and the children. Have it taken on a card.

Root

Feby 26th, 1865

Dear Husband,

Yours of the 12th came safe to hand last night and I was glad to hear from you that you was well. We are all well and I don't see why you do not get your letters. This is the 4th letter I have sent to you since you took Fort Fisher. There must be some wrong somewhere besides here for I answer every letter you send and have written more than I have had answers to. I have bought a half ton of hay of Amos Hemstreet for $12.50 cts for half ton. That will take the cow through but our cow's bag I am afraid is spoiling. She gives bloody stringy milk out of three tits. I think I have wood enough to last me until spring.

Our town meeting went. Copperhead all through. They have not drafted yet in Root. I will send you some papers as soon as I can. Our folks have taken the capitol of South Carolina and Charleston to boot, and our flag waves over Fort Sumpter again, so we have got the nest that conception was hatched in. Hurrah for old North and uncle Abe!

Things are going on here about as they was when you left. The snow about three feet deep in the woods but we have a thaw today so that the snow is settling. Abe Near has bought Sol Hubbs out house and mill for $1100.00 dollars. But says if you come back he will sell you half the mill this I have written this is the third time. Times are rather tight with me and some money will come very acceptable about this time.

This is written for Harriet Christman

I have written all I know for Harriet, so good day till I write again.

Your friend,

J.B. Walker

Root

March 2nd, 1865

Respected Husband,

Yours of the 15th of last month was received Tuesday night and I was glad to hear that you was well and rugged. You must live well to weigh 175 lbs pretty good beef. We are all well yet and doing as well as we can but we have not got so fleshy as you have. Got me a new stove. Its name is Chartox Oak, and I had to give twenty five dollars for it. The old stove got so bad that I could not bake in it. Now what shall I do with the old stove? Sell it or keep it until you come home? Abe Near says you promised to write him a long time ago and you have not written. So write to him the first leisure time you have to keep him easy. I was to Levi's yesterday; they are well there, but Elizabeth Ann looks as if she had been eating dried apples and they had swelled bad. Levi wants you to write to him. He said I must tell you he was going downhill as fast as he could.

When I went over the river I took John with me. The rest of the children stayed to William Links. They were all well over there. I wish you was here. I would kiss you twice and bite you if you would hold still!

Catty's ring was broke in two when it got here, but the wires were all safe. I am sorry the ring was broke. Someone has tried to bend it in the letter and broke it. Half your time is gone by and I hope the last half will go a great deal quicker than the first half has.

I keep good courage,

As ever yours,

Harriet Christman

Well Lons,

I have written all there is to write so there is nothing new for me to write, so I will wait until I get some news. Our folks are doing well in your country but the Rebs say they will give Sherman some before he gets through but I hope not.

So good evening Mr. Christman,

J.B. Walker

Root

March 5th, 1865

Dear Husband,

I received a letter from you last night saying you was well. I am glad to hear you are still well & hope you will remain well. We are all well. I have a half ton of hay of Amos Hemstreet and now will have enough to last through. I think I have wood enough to last until warm weather. Sol Hubbs is going over the river in a cheese factory building by the cold spring near John Argusingers. I have got a new stove of Burnap of Argusville this last week for twenty five dollars. They are very high now. The name of my stove is Placer. The small size like Walkers. The boiler holes was to small for our old furniture. I think I have a first rate stove. Abe Near moves the first of April. He lives to Paps now. He has bought the house and mill alone. Ike Helsinger is going to help him saw. Jake Walker has bought the shingle machine.

Millard and Catty have been to school this winter; our school is out now. John & Delmer have it every once in a while. John takes him down. I will keep your tools safe. We will all give nine cheers for the downfall of the nest of suspicion Charleston. I hope you can stay where you are until your time is out. George does about the same as he has been doing winters past. Hirram Little has not catched any foxes this winter. I will send I will send our likeness as soon as I can. William Colgrove died the 1st of December and Elder Rofs preached his funeral sermon. Our folks have heard from Aaron. They are well. He wants Pap to sell off his stock and send him the money.

Yours as ever,

Harriet Christman

Friend Christman,

My opinion about rats is that they are a long tailed nasty thievish set, but George Walker says that they that have the shortest tail will get through the hole first. I agree with you that Jeff Davis is nearly caved in. My opinion is that we will have no peace until the Rebels lay down their arms and come back in the Union and that so far they want independence which they never can have and they have come to no terms yet. Things about here is about as they were when you left.

Respectfully,

Jacob B. Walker

Root

March 23rd, 1865

Respected Husband,

Yours of the 10th inst came safe to hand the 21st and I was glad to hear from you again. It is two weeks last Saturday since I had a letter from you and I began to think you was sick or had forgotten home and friends here. I have answered every letter I have had from you but one and that you told me not to answer and I mean to write as often as you do. We are all well at present and am glad to here that you are well. We have had a tough winter this winter. Sol Hubbs is going over the river in a cheese factory near John Argusinger by the cold spring. Jake Walker has bought the shingle machine of Sol. He don't move until the middle of May. I have traded off our cow. She dried up entirely so I traded her off and give five dollars to boot. I think I have got a good cow I guess. Pap will stay here. William Little has sold and is to move off this spring. Hiram Little has catched no foxes this winter. Millard was to your fathers last Monday. They was all well there. The snow is all gone here now but the banks. We have had a heavy thaw here so that it took off the bridge by the old black smith shop, took off the river bridge at Fonda, and the bridge at Amsterdam over the river; took three or four canal boats out of the canal at Sprakers Basin. We think you have got the Rebels in close quarters. If you can only hold them to it and make them howl. It is colder here now. Some snow last night but it has all gone now but is a cold wind. No more at present. Write as often as you can and I will answer.

Yours as ever,

Harriet Christman

Dear Pa,

If you think of us as often as we do you haven't out of my mind not a day. How often Johnny speak about ya. He said today Ma will I (cry) before Pa comes home. I want to see him time ( ? ) ( ? ) for them but I hope ya will live to see the end of the year. When this you see think of me since you so far away.

Yours as ever,

Hatti

Mae Ferion Station, North Carolina

March the 28, 1865

In Camp

My Deare Wife,

I received a letter from you dated March 5, stated you was well. I am well and hope this may find you the same. We have had a long march and I feel some tired. We're in camp here along the railroad. We will stay here one month. I think we will git paid here. If we do I will send it to you. I have wrote to you a few lines last Sunday but not as much as I should like. Jake got 4 letters today and I got none. There came 14 new recruits to this company today. I live in hope of comin home soon. I have good curse that the rebellion will be wiped out soon. I saw General Sherman last Saturday. He looks like a old farmer. He has a mighty army. He guts everything as he goes along. He leaves not a stone unturned. We are in his rear garden the railroad.

I want you to write as often as you can. You can write quite good. Write some more all what is gonon. I should like to have you send your likeness. Johns hair looks natural. I should like to know who saw for Jobe Conover.

The weather is nice and warm here, the peach trees are in bloom. How does your Pap git along this spring? Does he work his place alone?- or has he let it out. I want you to tell Papy to write. He hant wrote me but one letter since I came here. Tell Jake Walker to keep on writing. I will make it right with him. I want you to send the children to school this summer. Does Jginney Pett stay on that place this summer or not? How does Sammy Walker git along? I have not much to write at present. Write as often as you can. I can read your letter. So I must close.

Good night.

Yours as ever,

James L. Christman

(unreadable poem)

Root

April 2, 1865

Respected Husband,

It is some time since I have heard from you. So long that I am almost discouraged. I can't tell why I do not hear from you. I suppose there is some reason for your not writing but what I can not tell. We are all well and hope you are the same. The snow is all gone here except a few banks and Abe Near has made quite a hole in the logs and the mill runs well. The people about here are generally well but Peter Miller was buried last Wednesday after being sick one week. The family are left very destitute. Old John Winter was buried last week and Old Mrs. Staley has died too. Old Mr. Pettet has two cord of maple wood to sell for four dollars per cord. Shall I buy it?

Yours Respectfully,

Harriet Christman

My son, I would like to see you. Amos Hemstreet drawed a ton of hay for your wife. It was to be good hay for twenty five dollars per ton and it was not worth six. I had a general talk with him in the store yesterday and I told him what I thought of a man that would rob the poor and helpless. Amos asked Mr Pettet why his cows looked so well. Pettet told him he fed his cows straw and hay. Amos told him he fed his good hay and sold his poor hay for $25 per ton. I was to William Links today. They are all well and inquired after you and I could tell them nothing. Write to me when you can.

Yours as ever,

V.I. Vosburgh

Root

April 9th, 1865

Dear Husband,

I received a letter from you last night dated the March 28 and was glad to hear from you that you was well and unhurt yet, we are all well at present and feel as contented as possible under the circumstances but feel lonely and rather pinched at present for the want of a little money. The snow is all gone now and it looks like spring. Peter Miller was buried a week ago last Tuesday died with congestion of the lungs after one weeks sickness. Cate Harvey and Williams Hubbs left last Friday and took the cars at Palatine for the West. Pap means to work his farm this season he has been quite well this winter. Mr. Samuel I. Walker does not get smart and has hired Daw Miller for five months. Ben Hoag has moved on the Pettet farm and old Jimmy goes to Madison County in May. All the rest of the folks are well about here. I was to your fathers last Thursday, found your parents well. Your mother wants you to write to her and she will try and answer it and she sends her love to you. Sally Allbrite wants you to write if you know anything about her man Jacob. Abe Near has had your britches on instead of your hat so that Maria begins to look as if she had been eating something that had swelled. Write as often as you can. Respecting the childrens likeness I have no chance to get them taken and you will soon be home now for the Rebels have no guts, backbone, or liver left. Richmond is taken from them and they are running crazy.

As ever yours,

Harriet Christman

P.S.

Lons, the Rebs are gone up hook line bob & sinker.

Jake Walker

My Dear James,

How glad I was when your letter came last night. What company it is for me. Write as often as you can and I will do the same. If the children was all as good ( ? ) and John I would not have much (trouble). Do you have much to eat? When I have got pie or bake how I wish you had some of it.

Think of me,

Harriet Christman

Charleston (Charleston Four Corners, Montgomery County, New York)

Apr the 9, 1865

Lance, you wanted to know how we git along. We have moved. Abe runs the mill alone now. He gits along quite good. We like our home well but will like it better when we git some of the trash picked up around. You said that Abe must wear your old hat, but he has had on your pants so I think you will see a boy when you come home. I think you will have help down there. They are enlisting around here more. There is 13 starts tomorrow. I hope this war will soon end; there is some prospect of its ending now. There was a graet noise when our folks got Richmond. Was you at Richmond when they took it? John Near was taken prisoner last September. He was exchanged and got a furlow of thirty days. He came home 2 weeks ago quite sick. The Rebels gave him and two other fellows poison. The other two is dead, but John was alive yet last Monday. The Doctor says if he can live twenty one days, he will git better but never will be a sound man again.

I must close by saying good night. Please answer this letter from, Mr. and Miss Abe and Maria Near

Root

April 16th, 1865

Respected Friend,

Yours of the 7th (inst) came safe and I received it last night and was glad to here from you again and also was glad to here of the success of our armies and that the rebellion is about played out and used up but Oh the treachery there is in the south and the diabolical disposition of the human heart and how liable we are to disappointment just as everything seems to look like an honorable peace. They in cold blood murder our President and secretary of state of the United States leaving a southern man and I suppose a bloat at that to guide this great ship over the breakers. What will be done is more than I can tell but it looks gloomy to me at present but I hope God will avenge us of our enemies and turn what they suppose to be our loss to our gain. I have seen your family today and they are all well. Your wife traded cows with Hiriam Bumfrey a young cow that he bought of Paris Hoag that ( ? ) cow of his young cow and Harriet says she does well so far.

Abe Near does very well sawing. Ike Helsinger helped him about two weeks. Since that he has worked alone. We have but very little sawing the snow went off so quick and made such high water and since that we have no rain to speak of. Williams Hubbs and Cate Harvey eloped about ten days ago they are gone yet I suppose a loving couple I suppose. There is nothing new going on about here that I know of. Jacob Keller saws for Joel Conover and I do not know who else saws for him. We are well and the neighbors are generally well so good evening Mr. Christman.

Jake Walker

To be sure

P.S.

Spencers youngest boy while at school shot at a mark on the backhouse with shot and his sister was in the backhouse and the shot struck her in the leg and hurt her rather bad. It happened about seven weeks ago and she can't walk yet. The doctor has dug out five shot and there was some left in yet. In haste, Jake Walker. John Near was buried a week ago last Thursday supposed to be poisoned by the Rebels while a prisoner. Oh what foul play. Harriet wants to know what you sleep on, what do you have to eat, and how does it taste. Jake.

April the 22, 1865

Dear Husband,

I now sit down to write you a few lines that we are all well and wish you the same. I was sorry to think there was no letter for me but never mind there will one come soon. I am glad to think that the war will soon be over and peace reign once more in this land of ours. Lons, if you do not write oftener I will whip you when you come home. Now depend on that. I expect to go to Levis tomorrow for a few days to wait on the sick, that is his wife expects to be sick. John Walker enlisted the 10th of this month and is now at Harts Island. He enlisted in the 153 regiment. Deacon Kimbel died this morning. We are all very sorry Old Uncle Abe has been so foully murdered. Now write twice to once.

Yours as ever,

Harriet

Root

May 4th, 1863

Dear Husband

I received a letter from you Tuesday nite saying you was well. I was glad to hear you was well and think you will be home in two months. I hope that you will be home soon for I am tired of living so; no money & have had to borrow some to get a sack of flour and that is gone and I don't know what to do, you see I am in a straight place. We are well as usual except myself I have taken cold and don't feel very well. I have been to Levis. They have got another girl there. Hurry home as quick as possible. It is cold and backward here. Things are about the same about here as usual. Old uncle Selah Hubbs is very sick not expected to live long.

Yours as ever,

Harriet Christman

(Written on army medical stationary with the following heading)

REMARKS

DIRECTIONS Here specify the details with regard to entries made, opposite headings specified in italics, as required in the Directions on the last page. Besides which, information on the following heads will be given either on this sheet or in an accompanying letter of transmittal. FEVERS Their character and symptoms; an outline of the plans of treatment found most efficient, with remarks on the location and sanitary condition of camps or quarters during the prevalence of these disorders. DIARRHOEA AND DYSENTARY Grade the treatment, with remarks on the character of the ration, and the modes of cooking. SCORBUTIC DISEASES Character and symptoms, with observations on causation, and a statement on the means employed to procure exemption. RESPIRATORY DISEASES Symptoms, severity and treatment, with remarks on the sheltering of the troops, and the atmospheric conditions. Similar remarks on other preventable diseases. IMPORTANT cases of every kind should be reported in full. Where post-mortem examinations have been made, accounts of the pathological results should be carefully prepared.

Raleigh, North Carolina

May the 9, 1865

My Dear Wife,

Yours of the 22 came safe to hand and was glad to here you was well. I am well and hearty. You wrote in your letter that you did not git any letter from me. Since I have bin here I have wrote 4 letters to you. If you don't git them I am not to blame. I should like to know if you have got the money I sent you. Write so I will know. You did not use much ink and paper when you wrote to me. Time seem (press) with you. I sent that money to Palatine Express Office in your name and you must go and git, and you must write and let me know if you have got it or not. I don't think I will be home until my time is out. We have good times here; have a good tent and plenty to eat. We have soft bread to eat and plenty of pork too. This letter takes the last stamp I have. I can't git any here. So if you want to hear from me you must send some postage stamps. Send 4 or 5 stamps in the next letter.

We intend to have a grand revue tomorrow at 10 o'clock. I think by that we are agonto leave tis place. Where to I can't tell. I think toward the sea coast. The weather is very hot and dry with cold nights. The fighting is played out so they keep us a drilling. When there was fughting to do they did not drill us, but they are putting on style now. You find fault of me why I don't write often. Probably if you had no more time then I have, you would not write anymore. I will write as often as I can and you must do the same. I must close now so good night.

Yours as ever,

James L. Christman

Raleigh

May the 20, 1865

Harriet,

I received a letter from you this week staten you was well and out of money. I don't se why you hante got the money I sent you. I sent it the 26 of April from here. You said you was out of wood. You go and see Papy and git him to cut one day for you and tell him I will make it right him. If you git your money pay him and tell him to write.

We are at this place yet. Our camp is in the grove back of the city; a nice place. There is a good many gone home out our company. Thay were sick. Just as fast as they git sick they send them home. I don't know whether I will git home before my time is out or not, I can't tell; may leave in a days ( ? ).

I want to know if you have made garden yet. Thare is plenty of strawberries here and plenty of blackberries. Thare will be plenty of peaches. I want you to write just as soon as you git your money so I will know you have got it.

I am well; Jake hante very well. I have heard the 153 Regiment has gone home. Is John Walker home or has he stayed. I have plenty of paper and stamps at present. I want you to write often and tell Jake Walker to write.

It has been quite wet the 2 past days. This paper is so damp I can scarcely write. I want you to tell Mother to write if Papy don't. I have wrote to him two weeks ago and have not had any answer yet. If they don't discharge us next month, I won't have a great while to stay. Only three months more to stay from the last of this month. You can do just as you like about gitten a pig. I want you to plant as many potatoes as I did last year or git someone to plant them for you. I want you to be savin some of your money. A greenback is worth most as much as one dollar of in gold.

I will send some verses in this letter. I want you to give them to Jake Walker.

This is all at present, so good day.

James L. Christman

Root

May 21st, 1865

Dear Husband,

I received a letter from you last night dated the 9th inst and was glad to hear from you that you was well and rugged yet we are all well at present and rugged but want you to come home for I am satisfied with my experience of being chief cook and bottle washer providing everything for our family. It costs more than I thought it did. I was to Palatine last Monday. There the money you sent me had not come but George Walker came from there last night and he says he inquired and it came Monday afternoon at two o'clock so I will try and get there tomorrow and get it. I am glad you sent it for I have had to buy things on trust. My stove is $25 and some other things so that when I get paid up it will be gone so that I will have to trust again but I will do the best I can until you come home. Selah Hubbs was buried last Wednesday sick about two or three weeks. John Walker enlisted the 10th of April and got home today with his discharge. He has been gone five weeks and has had $383 for five weeks. That is all I can think of so good day Mr. Christman.

As ever,

Harriet

Well Mr. Christman I thought I would write a line to you. We are all well at present and the neighbors are generally well old (roy) Nance Smith is buried today. Grass looks well here but it is too wet for grain. It is so wet that there has been no planting done here yet. Not much to write at present but remember to send or bring me a good gun along when you come home as cheap as you can.

So good afternoon.

J.B. Walker

May 28th, 1865

My Dear Husband,

I now sit down to inform you a few lines that we are all well at present and hope you the same. It is a lonesome day. It's rainy and cold. I think when you come home we will comfort together but it seems a long time since you left home. How many times I think of you and wish you was here. I look for you every day. Come as soon as you can for we will be glad to see you at any time. Write o lan. I long to see your face since you have gone and left the place. Well Liny how does it go this long time with out (another).

I ( ? ) me at (prison).

So good nite,

Harriet Christman

North Carolina

Raleigh

May the 30, 1865

Dear Wife,

I received a letter from you today that you was well and good and you got your money. You will git it drawn and let me know as soon as you can. I am well and Jake is well and hope you the same.We are in camp here yet; plenty to eat and drink. When we will git home I can't tell. It may be soon and it may not.

( Unreadable name) we left him to Willmington sick and has since bin discharged. ( ? ) for John Walker. He has good luck. And I am glad he has met with (such) luck. There has came orders here to muster us out. As ( ? ) thing can (write) the papers out. If the ( ? ) take it in hand we will soon git home.

Have you made garden yet? I want you to put plenty of potatoes in the ground. I think I can eat a plate of mashed potatoes when I git back and have a good garden. ( Some riding in come) I want you to write and tell Papy to write. I have sent him a letter and hante had no answer yet. (Unreadable sentence) Where is Sol Holts and what is he doing. You don't write enough about him. Has he moved yet? Did you git them verses I sent in the last letter? Let Jake Walker have them. It will be a (little) (square) to git a gun Jake. If I can git one I will.

June 11th, 1865

My Dear James,

I thought I would write a few lines to let you know we are well and hope you the same. I received a letter from you Tuesday and was glad to here from you and was glad to here you was coming home. George Grandy had come home last Friday. I hope you will come next for me ( ? ) The days seams long as a week. I look for you every day and am gitting tired lookin for you. I have planted my potatoes and they will be ready to hoe when you come. ( This I shall at present)

So good nite James

Harriet Christman

Root

June 4th, 1865

Friend Christman,

This hot and dry Sunday afternoon I thought I would take a little of the naping time and write a few lines to let you know how we are and the prospect to look ahead. It is very dry here now and prospects of a severe drought. (Grass) looks good yet but grain suffers. It has been so very wet here this spring that it kept work back and now so dry that it is very hard plowing now. We are all well at present and hope you are the same. Your family are all well and rugged. Millard and Catty got school. Harriet has her yard all made except planting her potatoes and them she means to get in tomorrow. Help is scarce here and Wake Brower has no hired man so you see he makes (business) ache. I tell you I am obliged to you for the verses you sent to me in your wifes last letter. They are rough on the Rebs and that's what the matter (is). The Rebs are in (tight/light/fight) (papers/capers) all around (my) (hat) Jeff Davis and all they had better let (since) Abe lived they would have fared better I (guess now) that they will move but they have brought it on themselves so they have themselves to praise for their foolishness and rashness but they begin to come to their senses when it is too late but they had to shit or hold the pot at last and it hurts the copperheads so bad that they are dumb and speechless faces as long as a short rail. They have been bad prophets about the rebellion you see and it takes the wind and starch out of there wind and all. I know nothing new to write so I will close by telling you that Aaron Vosburg means to come back this winter so I hear and Bush whines because he has taken a farm for three years good ( ? ) ever your friend Jake

P.S. I left a little place for Harriet to write so good day.

(J). B. Walker

Mount Vernon

February 26, 1866

Brother Lansing (James L.),

Your letter came to hand on Saturday. I was very glad to receive it, on account of the news it contained. You do not know how gratified I am to hear that you and Jake have such comfortable Houses. What a very great improvement they are on the miserable log hut in which we were calved! I hope you will do all you can to make them pleasant, so that in the future your children can look back upon them with pleasure and think of the many happy days they have spent within the precincts of that sacred spot. In the spring you must fill the lot around your house full of fruit trees. I wish I had a home somewhere upon the face of the earth. It makes me half crazy to think how I am living somewhere. County school teaching is to unstable a vocation to warrant me in buying a house and lot. Besides, this proves to be a great fever-and-(ague) region. I am now resolved to go on a tour of inspection to the far west in August and if I like it there, build me a home where land is cheap, fertile, and easily cultivated. The first time you go to fathers, I wish you would inquire about Jakes whether he bought stock last fall, or sold his hay whether he thinks of buying, etc. etc. I think there is money in that place at $5000, don't you? Clark may stick his land (keepings/holdings/kapings/helpings) (the first of January time) How have my little trees on the old homestead kept through the winter? (Lansing) I am sorry I can not accommodate you with $100. On the first of January I invested $100; and if I should not go to housekeeping, nor go West in August, I would probably have $100 to invest this 15th of June. But I shall do one of the things mentioned, and perhaps both. I have only saved about $50 a year of my wages, since I have been married. K remember me to all.

You must strive to get out of debt as soon as possible, for I fear a great crash is coming, when woe will be to those who are in debt!

Kindly, Kindly, Kindly, Kindly, Kindly, remember me to all.

Kindly, Kindly, Kindly,

Yours Truly,

me to all,

Kindly remember.

H. Christman

Jan 1(5)th, 1875

Brother Lansing [James L],

Received a letter from you a few (days/weeks) ago stating that you and your family ( ?). We were pleased to hear from you. We had a very stormy afternoon the day we left you but we had the (best) of it . The storm being on our backs we drove through without stopping on the way. It was very windy and (not) cold. Mother stood (this) ride better (than) expected. Her health is good at present. She has been well ever since she has (been) over with the exception of a little cold. When (she) makes up her mind to go home we will write to you so that you can come down and make a visit and at the same time take mother. ( ? ) mother wants you to see (to) paying her tax. If you have not yet it to spare she wants you to see Elija Bundy and have him pay it and take a receipt for the same and she will send it to him as soon as she gets home. Our family is well at present. They have a little daughter at (Brtszet) two weeks old tomorrow and doing well. You spoke of my letting you have some money. I am entirely destitute of money. I have raised (nothing) to sell but hay. I have not sold a pound as yet and no prospect of selling any and I will be obliged to borrow

( ? ) can use before I get (starving). I (now) be glad to assist you if it were in my power. I would have to borrow it if ( ? ) and it is almost impossible to borrow money in these times. I wish it different with us. We have had a (hard) road to (hoe) (so) far (tiring) life we have (had) (to) (short) ourselves in life and consequently we have laboured under disadvantages. I know that has been the case with me. I wish you well and I hope that you may succeed in getting along.

Yours Truly,

Spencer Christman

(On the letter are several arithmetic calculations)

(No Date)

My Dear James,

It with pleasure I now sit down to write a few lines to you that we are well and safe this may find you the same. I am sorry to here that Jake is sick. There is a great many sent home and you must stay. When I think of how far away you are I feel as if I haven't a friend. I hope when the next letter comes you will know whether you can come home or not. And then we will be (contented) ( ? ) (until ago) (come) Papy was here last Sunday he said Mother wasn't very well and he had (a feeling on his hand/ a feller on his land)

I nothing more.

So good nite,

Harriet Christman

I want to say a little some on one other subject and that is this. You recollect you told me the day before you left that you would make arrangements for those shingles. (Now/How) son I have got the $3.00 which you borrowed of one from Old Maly and if I was sure you would come back again I would not be afraid to trust you for 40 bunches of shingles as I think you must know from what I have always been willing to do for you. But you know that life is very uncertain and if you should never come back I could not ask for pay & as I think and I guess you must think if you know anything about it. Your $5.00 which you left for your family has went pretty fast. I feel that I would like to have the hay for those shingles and if you ever come back & want any help & it is in my power to grant it you shall freely have it. Please write to Old Maly giving him the power to pay me.