R.C. Patton Letter, February 7, 1872

              Sabine Pass   Feb 7th 1872



Mr Chas W. Hurt



                        Melrose



                                                                                                                        Dear Friend



I have been informed by Miss Mollie Moore that you were put at Melrose, and, had you been a brother I do not think the intelligence would have Conveyed any more Joy to me for I have always looked upon you as an Elder brother.  I would be verry (sic) glad to See you, and I am in hopes I can get off Soon on business, and if I do I will mix a great deal of pleasure in it by Coming up to See you.  We have quite a lively little place here, two of the Morgan Ships are now in port, and every Wharf crowded with Cotton besides.  We have Some prospects of a Rail Road a Company of Surveyors arrived here last night from St Louis, and went to work this morning from what I can learn their intented (sic)  Route goes through Angelina and Nacogdoches.  Now Charley I Know it is against your religion to write but if you Knew how anxious I am to See that old familiar fist, I think you would deviate for once                      hoping you may  



                                                                           I am as Ever Your Friend      R C Patton