p.

is some what better. Cousin
Ezra was married a few weeks
ago - to a Muskegon lady -
[underline]eighteen years[/underline] younger than
himself. I send thee Lydia's
letter about their misfortunes -
I have written to them - but
this is the latest news we
have of them. How sad it
seems for them. I wrote thee
three letters while in Richmond -
think thee got but one.

Howard is a large boy - is
four feet - seven inches high -
strong and healthy - sends
love as usual to uncle Willie -
If we could have some of your
rainy days seems as tho it
would be nice - a long time
since we have had much rain -
roads almost as dry as summer.
2d. day - morn - 25th. Dear mother came over
yesterday - to stay awhile with us - their
hired man & wife both sick with diptheria -
so much to do. afraid she would [underline]overdo[/underline] -
she rested sweetly last night - her heart
has beat quite regularly for two or three
days - she sends love - will write soon to
thee - love from sis Mary -

[page break]

[5/21/4 5/24/4]

E. Montpelier. 4th mo. 23d. 1864

My dear brother Willie:

Thine of
the 12th inst. was recd. this
week, very gladly as thy letters
always are. One to Mother of
a later date gives quite a
comforting account of thy
health - hope thee may con-
tinue to [underline]advance[/underline] - Mother
thinks 'twould be good for
thy lips to put a cloth
wet in cold water upon them
at night - and have a dish
of the same [underline]medicine[/underline] by thee
so as to change. Mother is
not quite as well as common,
has a good deal palpitations
of the heart - and trouble a-
bout breathing like asthma -
Dr. Brigham thinks it is her