Mr. James Ridings
Dear Brother
Your note, enclosed in Davids of the 11th of Jan was received & carfuly perused…in which I was somewhat disappointed to hear of that place not being sold, but glad to hear you say that you are doing all in your power to obtain a place for me, for I feel satisfyed that what-soever bargain you make will suit me and I also think your idear as regards my money was a good one. So I will not dray my money until my time is out unless you call upon me for some to appropriate a farm, as I think I can gett along very well without it. [fancy dividing line] A word to Lib and then I’ll close Well Lib I hardly know what to say to you unless I give you some advice, but you are to contrary to take advice. So I will not do that. You said some time ago you wished that I was there to build a pen for them little brats of mine. I have fell upon a plan to keep them under until I come, which is this. They are no better than their father so I will put them under military lawy, and in order to do that we must have military officers. I therefore appoint James E. Ridings as Chief Quarter Master and you as Chief Cook & Bottle washer. As to other officers I will look further. J. C. How C [??] Department and I also think your ideas as regards my money was a good one. So I will not draw my money until my time is out unless you call upon me for some to appropriate a farm, as I think I can get along very well with it. (My note: I believe the top part was written by David A. Ridings. The handwriting matches another letter of his, and does not match the writing in the portion below, which is signed by J. C. How. ) A word to Sib (or Lib) and then I’ll close Well Sib (Lib) I hardly know what to say to you unless I give you some advice, but you are to contrary to take advice. (can’t read) You said some time ago you wished that I was there to build a pen for them little brats of mine. I have fell upon a plan to keep them under until I come, which is this. They are no better than their Father so I will put them under military law and in order to do that we must have Military Officers. I therefore appoint James E. Ridings as Chief Quarter Master and you as Chief Cook & Bottle Washer. As to the other officers I will look farther.
J. C. How ??? Department