Letter to Taylor

Scope and content:

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family health news.

Language:

English .

Other descriptive data:

Va Military Institute
Feb 7th 59

Dear Taylor
I was very sorry on account of your being sick when I heard about it. Somebody ought to have informed me that you were unwell before you commenced getting well. You say that you had not been out of doors, for a long time until the day on which you wrote to me, and that you took a good ride that day on Grandfather's old Gray Mare. I suppose this was very beneficial. You should ride out whenever you can get a gentle horse and the weather is fine. It is excellent exercise, this riding on horse-back.

It pained me much when I heard that Joseph Keesey was so sick, with the Lung Fever. I hope he will get well. Who cut the wood for the girls to cook with -- when you were so sick, and Father was away from home? I suppose Ella & Blanche are much larger now than they were when I was at home last. Can Blanche say "Big pig, little pig -- root hog or die," now. She could not say it when I was at home. I wish I could have been in Beverly when Big Sam Currence made the attempt to squeeze hell out of the people, and danced in church with Morgan Kittle, it must have been rich in the extreme. I am glad to hear that Mart Buckly has confessed his sins, and professed religion. It pleased me to know that Harriet and Criss are going to school, and that you will be well enough to go in a few days. Give my love to Harriet Criss - Ella - Blanche - and the Baby. Has the Baby been named yet? You ought to get Mr. Birkett to back your letters for you. You write very well for one so young but the letter would look better if you would get him to back it. You will soon learn to write well enough yourself. Give my respects to Burns and Emmet and Lee, and Worthington and Caleb and all of your young friends.
Your Affectionate Brother
Joseph

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Correspondence

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