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                                    Richmond 11 July 1864

My Dear Cynthia I have only a few moments before the mail closes to write you a few lines. I have collected from the State the money due for hires of servants to the Asylum [?] [?] 277.75/100 which together with the amount recd. from Capt Christian I have now in Bank subject to your order.

 Bring the papers I sent you, when you come done, and you

can then get the balance due from Capt Christian.

 I heard from Williamsburg on Saturday.  Mrs. [Browning?] who

lives on the hill just over the college mill pond wrote her sister, that she had lately seen a member of our family and that all were well. She brought the letter to Isabella to read. She also wrote that the Yankees were about leaving Wmburg. This account is confirmed by persons who reached here yesterday about 12 miles this side of Wmburg. They state that our scouts informed them the Yanks had removed the guns, levelled Fort Magruder and left the place and that they had also evacuated York Town & Gloucester Point. Mrs. Chas Waller wrote Isabella (dated the 4th) that they were removing every thing from Gloucester Point & York Town, and were reported as evacuating those points. God grant that all this may be true, but I have been so often disappointed that my hopes are not very sanguine. Mrs. Jones & [Nannie?] are here staying at Mr. Paines, they were shelled out of Petersburg. Several shot passing through the house. The Danville RRd will

Marginalia – begin left side to top

[with the hooping Cough – is not sick at all – I have written to you very often since I have been here and would like some encourage -ment to continue to do so. [Mr?] Mason’s little baby nephew is at the Rectory & I can’t even take Charley to spend the day with his God Mother – Not a line from Charks -ville since I left there – Do writh to your devoted

           Wife]

Marginalia – right side

[When do you expect to make us another visit? Four months [to –day?] since you left your wife & boy!]

                                        [July 12, 1864]

not be completed in less that a fortnight from this date in the meantime conveyances carry passengers some twenty odd miles charging each passenger the moderate sum of [?] 100. Unless you want to pass some weeks here – and who would stay here, if they could help it – remain at Carisbrook until you hear from me again.

There is nothing in the way of news but what you will

see in the papers. I have been sick again, have lost my appetite and am as poor as a snake.

You did not mention the school near Carisbrook, what

of it? Will it suit [Montu?]? Consult with JW. Bryan, and let me know your conclusions.

My best regards to Mr. Bryan and all the family, and

write to me soon direct to care of Godden & Apperson

                     faith fully [  ?]

come without bringing and a line from you.

                                                   PWJ

I presume you write, but it is very trying that your letters never reach me. Charley is doing [remarkably?] Copy [?] July 12th 1864 – [well?]

   This is my cheering news from Williamsburg, is it not, my dear Husband?

How much [I wish?] [you?] were near enough to go down there and take a look at things. The levelling of Fort Magruder looks most formable for they cannot think of returning after the destruction of the Fort. Of course, all servants who do not intend returning to there corners will go off, and there will be nothing to fear on that head for the Citizens. I trust, my dear Mother had the fore sight and money to lay in a good supply of necessaries, to say nothing of the [?] of sugar and coffee. I trust she has also some [shoes?] on hand for me for I am poorley enough off in that particular. What is the price of bale cotton in L.Co. Do try and get us some candles.

                                                   Another mail has