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Dearest John, See how prompt I am, your letter only came today. It came in company with one from Frank and one from Sis, who is in Pittsburg. I guess she will think it is a grand thing to be twenty-one, and have Pa say "I don't care, you can do as you please" when she wants to go away. Frank's letter announces his promotion to the rank of Brigade surgeon, 2nd brig. 2nd Cavalry Div. It is quite flattering, for so young a man, coming unsought, and to one who has no "friends with influence." At their last fight near Boynton

[[Written on left side-- I am very glad to hear that Mrs. Tiernan? has a son. Congratulate her for me. Had?. Blackstock has returned from Minnesota engaged to some one there, and in Spring they are all going not to live there. Mrs. Boone came with her, but is going back. thinks she cannot live in this climate. Give my love to all my friend, ever so much to Jule and the darling children. Yours aff, Jane]]

[[Written on right side-- Why didn't you tell us about the troubles? there? How much are we to believe as what we see in the papers?]]