p.

been travelled since the deep snows - so
they have only tapped about 200 of the
nearest trees - have made about 300
pounds - & now the weather keeps warm
without freesing nights - & the ground
is not frozen -

Dr Kellog of Plainfield, who attended
Billy Patterson died of the same disease
last week - he is much lamented - his
throat was examined after death &
I heard that Dr. Chandler feels less
courage than before that it can be
cured - I must close as Horace
Steward is waiting to take this to the
office - Give my respects to Hen-
ry - I would write to him - but I
have said all to thee that I could do
if I wrote another letter - we have
heard nothing of the army of the
P. for several days - farewell dear
boy - be as good as thee has been in
letting us hear from thee

Mother

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East Montpelier
17th of 4th mo. 1862

My dear boy

Very glad were we last
week to receive letters from thee mailed
at Old Point Comfort - 2 for me & one for
Ann via. Brattleboro - for we had been
told - & read it in the papers that the Sol-
diers were to send no more letters, but
we have had none, come more directly.

We begin to see little spots of bare
ground on the side hill - but oh; such
piles of snow as we yet have - I think
I never saw the like - a robin, however,
sits on this queer stone on the corner
post of the door yard fence apparrent-
ly as happy as robins have been in other
years - when there was no snow & no horrid
war - Last week on third day eve Ann
& I went to Horace intending to stay till
fifth day night - we had a pleasant time