#64Dahlonega, August 11th, 1861
Dear Jack,
I ???? the present opportunity of writing to you . I havent any thing new or interesting to rite. We looked for a letter from you yesterday but did not get any. I have heard from you this evening by Dr. Hamilton. I was glad to hear you were all well an in fine spirits. We had preaching today, the congregation quite small. You ar all missed at church as well as at home. The friends here ar all well. I will try and get a list of the names of the volunteers that have left here since you left.
You uncle received a letter from John Wimpy yesterday. He was well an well pleased he was elected first orderly. He said he hoped he would meet with you in the Old Dominion. They leave Athens tomorrow. They think they will be sent to Laurel Hill. Several of my relatives reached Manassa in time to help bury the Yankeys, the Goudalocks(?) an others. John Norwich was in the battle. I suppose you have heard all about before this time.
M. Waters is here. He sends his best wishes to you, says ???? ???? you, says you must live religion, says you will have many temptations but always stop an think an you will be able to overcome.
I hope you are not offended with me scattering advice in the letter I sent by London. When you get back you may make choice your self. I think you done right by not coming home. It would a fatigued you so much. I hope you will not have to take such another walk an then parting with you again would a been more painful than the first if that is possible.
I hear you had a bad cough. Do take something for it. Dont go in a bathing. Take care of your self. Say the same to Frank for me. I have a very bad stie in my right eye. It is so painful I can scarcely see to rite. If I have time in the morning, I will add something more. Rite soon. You dont know how much pleasure it is to get a letter from you. I know you have a bad chance to rite.
Monday morning. All well. Jack, I was glad to hear you could fill your office so well. Hold on to it an be obedient to those who have authority over you. May you have grace at all times to bear every trial and temptation to which you are exposed. In my prayers, rite soon an if you only rite five lines about, say your ar well, if you ar sick.
N. W. Wimpy
You Aunt Betsy says if Frank falls in battle, have him sent home. Be sure to have it done an rite as you have friends where ever you go, an he (?) will be your friend. He has promised to be a father to the fatherless.
Transcribed and submitted by
Ann Reese Cranford
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