cams_OAyers_b12_F006_006_001

Vienna, Virginia Feb 20^th/64 [1864]

Grecewell

Dear Brother and Sister

I received
your last welcome letter yesterday and
I was much glad to hear from you all
once more I was much disappointed
at not meeting with you when I was at
home I did not leave of your departure
untill [until] I arrived in Plattsburgh and I felt
as though half the pleasure I had in anticipation
was taken away by the news I had long counted
on the pleasures of meeting with you all once
more around the old family hearth
(I thing which now may never be) and how
often have my thoughts turned to my little
protige [protege] and friend Anna I was partial
towards her in particular because she noticed
me I suppose I did not go into your house
but I passed it several times and it seemed
launley [lonely] for I missed those friendly faces that
was want to greet my arrival there I
could notice but few changes but this was
saddest of all My stay at home was verry [very]
limited I tried to enjoy the brief stay as well
as circumstances would permit, but it
seemed but as any drop of water to a thirsty traveler

[written in side margin]
You must remember me to all who feel an inquiring interest

I would write to Eunice A but she might consider it presumptious [presumptuous]
and perhaps I may be
so should I feel
so inclined some
day I received
Labs letter after
my return here
but had forgotten
what address
to mail to
untill [until] I wrote
home for it
Please write
often and
oblige

O A