p.

we expect to start
for fort union new
mexico in a few
days if they can get
men. there are so many
going to the new
mine that men are
pretty scarce. they are
paying $[30?] a month
& the men say that
they wont go unless
they get $35 or $40 & they
will have to pay it
or elce not have drivers.
our health is quite
good now. Timothy has
had a sore throte &
I have ben a little
unwell but not much.
I should like to have
some of your new
sugar & fresh milk
& butter. I have not

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tasted a mite of
butter that was fit
to eat since I left
home. I hope that
Charley has given up
going to the war. if
he has not tel him he
had better stay at home.
if he goes a soldiering
he will see harder
times than he ever
thought of or at [heas?]
I have seen more rough
times than I [strikeout] would
if I had stade in
vermont all of my
life but still I do
not complane for it
was my choice to
come & now I cannot
tell when I shall be
back. we expect
to lode up tomorrow