At home Feb. 3rd, 1862
Dear Brother,
It is with pleasure I try to write to you. We are all well at present. I have so little to write I hardly know how to begin. We have had a good rain for the first in a little while. Robert has broke up some ground. B has begun to plow. He has ploud [sic] one half day and done very well. I want to keep them both at it all I can. My wheat looks very well. I have meate [sic] killed and hung up enough to do me. My sheep has the rots very bad. One died – one young lamb. We gave them tar twice. The cows looks tolerable well. We have had the longest cool spell now that we have had this winter.
Well, Bob, I have not seen Minerva and the children in a month. I want to see them very bad but I have not had time to visit much. You do not know how unexpected, how much surprised I was when I heard little Winsted Paine’s name. It makes me think you have not forgot bygone days. I feel greatfull [sic] to you to think you have honored the name so much as to call your sweet little babe for one that felt so near and dear to me. The name makes the baby feel nearer than ever to me. Watson is fat as a pig. I here from them by Mary, Ike, Sis and Army has just gone home from here. They are both well. Louisa is still complaining the children chills yet.
Mother sends her love to you and James and says for both of you to rite [sic] to her. She is well as common. I here the North has wiped the South in one battle. I do not recollect names nor places Some think the war will soon close. Some think they will fite [sic] till the nation will be destroyed. Some think it a scrouge [sic] sent upon the people for wickedness. Our circuit preacher gave us a good prayer last Friday. Prayed for the scrouge [sic] to be removed and that we might yet live in peace. The Lord knows what will be done. We will only have to wait and take what comes, good or bad. the Lord knows best if we will look to him.
Bob, I hear it whispered that C. G. asked me for sertin [sic] papers. I rold [sic] him I did not have them. He said you had them and he intended to sue me for them. I don’t want to get into a dificulty [sic] He says he has paid for his land and wants to get it fi—[sic]. Write to me about it. What to do and so on. He borried [sic] H ams [sic] best mule, went to Angalina [sic] cty. a courting, lost the mule. He has offered 50 dollars for it but it don’t come in. Write to me as soon as you get this. Take good care of your self and Jim. Is there any cotton cards in Huston [sic] or any where out there. If so, what’s the price.
R. D. Bone Asenath [sic] M. Paine
