Dear, Dear Sister~   I trust this finds you well. I know Mother is enjoying your visit. Is Father still as he was when I was there last?

  The sun has finally begun to shine here and in Maine. How wonderful to feel His warmth upon my face again. I am with hope that the gardens may be saved. There are still areas under water.  

                                                                                                                  June 6, 1864
My Dear Brother Michael,
It has been almost a year since I lost received a letter from you. You said you were at Brandy Station at the time. I fear for the worst, dear brother. Are you a prisoner in a Northern camp somewhere? Are you amongst the wounded?

Dear Sister~  

The shadow is growing ever darker here with Father. Mother says he had a close call one day last week before my return, but doc was able to bring him around. Perhaps my going north for the few days was not such a good idea afterall. He is holding his own, but since my return, once again I am not known to him.