Hempstead Texas April 8th, 1865

Dear Cousin Sallie

Your very welcome letter came to hand yesterdsay and you have but little idea how proud I was. I am truly glad that you answerd me so soon I could not contain myself hardly I have not heard a word from our part of the Country in near two Months I do not See why Mealinda has not wrote to me before this time. I am wating but not patiently, I want to go Home very much. This is nearer than I have (stayed)? to Home before, Well Sallie I do not know what to write I have nothing of interest there is nothing like War News now, we are all still, I Suppose we have bean brought here to keep back the Yanks if they attempted an invation, I do not hear of anything unusual from Galveston, I attended a Funeral prosession yesterday in honor to the remains of General Wharton, Who was killed by Col Baylor on the 6th Inst, I would give you the paticulars but it would take up too much room, I will state this much for the difference arose about Some Military affairs in which Col Baylor accused Gen Wharton of partiality (sic).

Sallie You can tell Bettie that I say she is large enough, I expect She thinks she is as much of a man as I am because she weighs as much, I think she had better go to Starving herself it is not all the men who admire a large Woman but as I know it is no fault of hers I cannot blame her, I Glory in Billy's success and he will make a Farmer, I expect his qualifications are good his opportunities have been so favorable. I hope (Nannie?) is almost a Woman and has quit her baby talk she will never be a woman until she stops all that I want to see you all but enough Tell your Mom that I think she could quit dodging (marriage?) So much Since she has so many grown children she can over See Coss I should think she might not to have to make a hand, I recon Grand Ma thinks she is gettin very old when she looks around on so many grandchildren I would be so glad to see her, Tell Vina that I am the same old ruff fellow and thank her for her well wishes. She use to try hard to be a Christian and hope she is still trying to keep in the path of duty Well Sallie You know who all to give my regards to and know whom I love and respect. Tell them my place of ( ? ) I must close now Sallie You will have to pay the postage this time I cannot get stamps.