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partly open - written in pencil at the top of page

La Porte May 3d 1863

My dear good wife It is sabbath evening How glad I should be to spend it with you + our dear children, it seems O, so long since I left home, I have just been reading the three good letters I have received from you since I arrived here, I do want to see you all very much + + did I not need money so much I would not remain here a day longer. I love home, wife, + children, for I have a dear good wife + dear good children, I did not know how much I loved them till I come to be away from them. I stall be with you again if nothing happens more than I now know of one week from to-day. I shall know

F9 - written in pencil at bottom left of page Ayer N.A. MS 470a - written in pencil at bottom right of page