Pontiac Ill. Oct. 8th 1862

My Dear Cousins

At Mothers request I write to inform you of the illness of Brother Jonnie. When he left you a week ago Sunday night, he thought a few days careful nursing would restore him to his usual health, but he has been sadly disappointed. Yesterday we almost despaired of his life, today thank God he is some better, his disease is billous fever, he is very sick, it is with difficulty that he speaks or raises his hands. The Doctor thinks now that he will recover. He has often spoken of your kindness to him while in Chicago, &; you have the heartfelt thanks of us all, for it, perhaps some day we may be able to repay you for it.

He may have told you of the birth of our little boy He was just 21 hours old when Frank left for Louisville. It was but another tie to bind him to his home and it seemed very hard but we believed God required the sacrifice at our hands and I try to be resigned, while nobly &; cheerfully he is doing his duty

I am looking anxiously for Larch [Lou Chakin?] had a letter from her Mother &; Larch this week, they are to start in six weeks. I hoped to see her sooner, &; you must not detain her too long before she comes to see us.

We shall be glad to hear from you soon. Please write. In haste

Your cousin
Mary M. Culver