August the 5 1866
G. M. Bone
Dear Sister this is in Answer to yours of July 15, according to promise I will write to you for the first time in life not knowing what to write. That would amount to much I have been sick had the fever for the last few days I was afraid I a going to have a hard spell of sickness though I am on the mend all the rest of the family is sick or nearly so Minerva I was very glad to hear from all that you was enjoying good health you must excuse me for not writing to you before this time as I have not had no suitable chance to send it to you Samantha and Bill I not seen them since Sunday they was here they was well I am going up to see Samantha this evening Minerva maybe I will come down it singing next Sunday if nothing happens I would like for you to go down and take the children I would like to see them very well Minerva can not send you can get us many writes millions and much millions and peaches as you can eat we have plenty of them I will quit you must write to me as soon as you can M. L. Burk
To G. M. Bone
Tell the children howdy [sic] for me and Brother
Bob yours as ever
M. L. Burk