“Dear Mrs. Reavis,

       … I was very much gratified to get a line from my little Sukey, I hope you will let her write when inclined, for we not only love to hear from her in her own way, but we like to see her improvement. She was brought vividly before my mind by your  letter, where you told of braiding her hair to receive her father. …

    Brother Richard has been to see us, remained only one week. When he left he expected to go from New Orleans to Tampico by the first opportunity; but on arriving there he found orders for him to remain there on recruiting service. His wound has healed, and he is entirely restored to health. I feel glad to hear he has been ordered to remain, as there is no glory to be gained in this war, and no probability of promotion at present.

     … About two weeks ago we had a week or more of mild weather, so that the ground thawed so much, that the roads became impassable almost, even now it is very difficult getting along. There was a man from the country here to day, who said in coming along the road , he saw stuck in one mud hole an ox so far gone that all that was visible of him was his head and horns; in another was two wagons and the end of the horses heads. This looks a little incredible, but I presume it is true. If you were acquainted with our soil you would think so too. …”