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                            Danville VA. August 26th 1864

My Dear Re

         Yours of the 23rd came duly to

hand, which was very welcome, and it is with pleasure I acknowledge its receipt and enclose herewith the wire you request and hope it will answer your purpose. [?] I send it by mail, you will get it as quick and with as little trouble as by any other way. I am glad to see by the tone of your letter that you are in such good spirits and enjoy the kindness of a Gentleman who appears to be willing to extend his [?] to your [?]. I am sure it must be a great pleasure to you all to be able to meet under the same roof after so long a separation, for a little recreation, and good company.

You wish to know what I have been

doing for two years. That is a long time. This horrible tragedy enacted by Mr. Sinclair for a reputation and to the next President of the U.S. has given me employment which [?] attention [2] of all men in our Country, and tho time [?] but which if it is not agreeably (?hoped), has not been attended by hardships or actual want. But like many others I miss the home comforts and fireside I do not care about making acquaintan- ces, and I pass much of my leisure time by myself. I am in my own room every evening and very seldom leave the post. There are now at this post over two thousand Yankee prisoners, and as many more of our own men and employees in the different [?] all of whom it is my duty to attend to. I saw Mrs. J.M.G. when last in Richmond She looked very well and happy, and hope she may never be otherwise, but did not have the pleasure of seeing but for a few minutes on the street I saw Dr. [?] after he was married, he was very much attached to his wife and I have no doubt feels this loss very deeply. I saw him just before he was married, he was there very happy at the prospect of his [?] [?] in the future and I spoke of his intended wife as a lady in whom was consentrated all that was lovable in human. I [?][?] with him in his deep affection. [3] I am very glad to hear what you say about Minnie Floyd and trust by this, she has regained her health, the little [?] she made to you has done he much good and it maybe that a week or two in that section will full establish her health and [?]. Yesterday I recd a letter from [?] [?] is getting better. But some of his little ones are sick. I fear that it is caused by their diet, which his limited purse is not able to make sufficient change. In [?]'s last letter dear [?] sends me a message about some young lady. She must know, from my experience, that young ladies are very obstinate and will not be given away by anybody. And besides, I have given up the vanities of youth and do not expect ever to keep or control so much at once as would be contained in a medium sized [?] And therefore should I be able to come down to see you all, it will not be with any expectation of making any such attempt of [?] time. Tell her, I am no chicken [?] now she says "I know that" and will [?] me are others, well, let her do it and give [?] I am much of the opinion that the times make on very selfish and everybody is impressed with the idea that he ought to take care of himself, "it is very important" [4] hence you find many have made large amounts of money since this was commenced and have become impressed with their own importance, such has been the case in this neighborhood. And therefore do no think your father would find very agreeable had he have succeeded in obtaining a school in this place. now although in time it may be a place of some [?] and wealth. The (?linman) (the only one here), and the (?lailor) each have their Carriage & [?] and madam is frequently seen riding over for her health, and perhaps has been making some inquiries about the [?] boarding schools in Richmond and their [?] will have the reputation of being the children of the wealthy [?] __ of D. Such in some respects, will be the unfortunate effects of this war made by the extorting on exiles who will become poor indeed. It is most [?] to be wished that we will soon be recognized as an independent nation, that we have peace with its comforts & I fear not before these will I be able to see you all. With [?] love to my sister and you.

                      Most Affectionately yours
                      Uncle Edmund

[transcription in different ink, upside down on the page] 1st 3 ch of Duet 9 & 10 ch of [?] Acts 7 23 ch Joshua 13 12 ch 1st Samuel 9th ch Nehemiah 78th Psalm 105th Psalm 106th Psalm 68 ch Isaiah 32 ch [?] 20-24 [?] 20th Ezekel