“Glad to hear that it was not Peat that was dead”

[To Clarinda from friend Marion]

Cohoes NY

Sunday, November 30^th 1862

Dear Clarinda,

Your letter came to hand in due time. I would have written to you before but I have been so very busy and other things, I have put it off till now. I hope you will not think I have forgotten you for I keep thinking about you every day. Dear Clarinda, I was very glad to hear it was not Peat that was dead. I was in a perfect stue [sic] until I got your letter. I was sorry to hear the regiment had left Rome. I was thinking perhaps it would not be called for this winter.

I was very sorry to hear the children had the hooping cough. Hoping this will find them well again for I know it must be a great trial for you. The mill is running full time now. We have got back our ten percent so all is right again. Oh, say, Clarinda, [Ray] Babcock is working down here. I have not seen him but Bill [McGarvey] told me he was inquiring for me. Ed Jones came here Monday and Gordon took him over to the boarding house and got him boarding place. He took them meals and staid one night and that was the last of him.

Dear Clarinda, if you find any mud in this letter you must not be surprised for it has rained all week and I came very near getting lost in the mud, to tell the truth it is all we can see in Cohoes. I went to a Thanksgiving ball, had a good time. Give my love to [Julia or Lola], tell her I will write to her soon. Give my love to Bill, tell him not to forget that picture. Give my love to all inquiring friends and accept a large portion for yourself. I will have to close for I can’t think of anything more to tell you at present. Please excuse all mistakes and bad written. Kiss the children for me. Goodbye, write soon.

I remain your friend,

Marion

P.S. Give Peat my love when you write.