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Philadelphia Oct 9. 1861

My Dears

I am so far on & well_ Am
obliged to stop, as you see all along
for business purposes, & on the whole
am quite successful. Reached here last
evening & leave for Baltimore this evenin
at 10/2 ^oC. It is cooler to day &
do not suffer from the [illegible] as I did
for a number of days. Masketoes here are
so thick that I prefer going on in the night
to going to bed. Thick too they were in
Brooklyn. Am sorry Father & George
should have gone off so abruptly.
I thought to be sure they would stay on
till I come back. So I fixed it with
George_ but I suppose father was away
& then his [cow]! I am wondering how you
get along with the new girl. I am much
more content than if I had left you with
Annie. Shall be at home soon as possible
next week, but not likely till the latter part.
Do not be concerned for me nor afraid for your
selves—we shall all be taken care of. I am in a
nice Hotels— better than the one we had when you were
here /Washington House/ & have every comfort. Shall hear from
you at Washington, D.C./Washington all in Brooklyn send love

Truly yours
J.W. [Alvord]