Hammond, Horace J., fl. 1862-1865 to Eleanor Hammond

Wishes her a happy new year. Everyone is healthy except Joseph, who has a cold but is recovering. Glad to hear she is all well. Heard about the note from Armstrong; thought Betsey was going to let her have some money. Advises her that if Betsey will not let her have any money, she should talk to Jerome and see if he will give her some money to pay Armstrong with. Will hopefully receive some pay soon that he can send up to cover whatever money is owed. Asks if the creditors will wait for him to get paid so he can cover the debt. If she pays him $30, maybe he will wait until fall to be paid the rest of the money. Might not receive any pay after this next round until his time is up, so she should "do [her] best with it." She must sell the half ton of hay to whomever she can find who is willing to take it. Asks her to take care of herself and Oscar and to remember to keep warm. Tells her to pray to the Lord, for "he will be a friend that will stand by you at any time." She must keep some of the money for herself. Wishes he could be at home right not, but cannot return until his time is up. It was better than he volunteered when he did instead of waiting to get drafted. They shanty is very comfortable. Will stay at this location until spring comes. Roads are so bad that they could not move even if they wanted to. Winter in Virginia can be very cold. Wishes he could give her a hug and a kiss, but takes solaces in the fact that he will be able to actually kiss her soon. Would rather be at home.