11 January 1862, Bloomington My dear James I received two letters from you since you left. One dated the 25th ? and the other 29th. I have been looking for an another from ? far the last two or three but have not got it yet. There was some from George to Sue yesterday dated 4th which I read from that you seemed to be all doing pretty well and still at harmony, which last news I did not know until I got George's letter as there was a report here that you had all been ordered somewhere else - to Staunton some said, so I did not know whether to believe it or not so I delayed writing some days in consequence of that rumor, but I read George's letter concluded to wait to longer. I am glad to hear your health is still improving which it had great ? to do. But the idea of boarding with a Secessionist woman don't sound right exactly. I would be afraid she might pit a strickening in something for seasoning. It appears the women generally are that sort because don't fear so much to won their sentiment as the men, but no dependence in the professions of loyalty in the men. It seems your good Gen. Reynolds has resigned. I am sorry to hear that, as you all seemed to have confidence in him. Has Kimkel returned yet? Who is going to take command now? Some of the papers are saying that it will be Raserans or Lainder. Gen McClellan is recovering. He seems to have been quite sick. His recovery will make the country more cheerful. ? Rogers has got to be surgeon at last in that Regiment at Gasport. Jack Aiken is there too, with a ? from Sullivan. He expects to be Capt, which I hope he want get to be, for I would expect if I were his ? to be sold to the Secessionist if he could get fifty cents per head for his men. The Reg is not made up by two hundred men yet. They hope to get that though. The small pox is still here. We have still two cases here yet. Walkers boy is getting well. Chuck Flow got well directly and none of his family will take it. None of Walkers have taken it - perhaps won't. ? Thordall? Girl has it the worst ? don't see how she got it, unless the infection was taken in the south wind from Wal… I hope there will be no more of it, but I greatly fear we will have it for months yet, lurking around in some hole, not to say anything about the consequences to those that have it. It injures and ? all other business, such as school. It almost breaks them up. Mr. Cole was here this morning. He is still in great way about Lonie?. He can't get any satisfaction about him. All the officers being away, he is almost on head as he has his uniform made and all ready for him and I ? a servant for him too, as he talked so much about that poor Lonie has a hard time to get off. I wish somebody else more worthy would get the place. We are all quite well so far - doing very well considering all things and when I think of having to get up every morning and make fires and take a bath & when I think of all those formidable undertakings and that we get ? everyday I think we do astonishing and when I once get up these cool mornings, I stay up as long as possible at night for I can't help but congratulate myself every day for being up and dressed but there is one thing that troubles my eyes are very weak and I am as ? of them as possible. We have had no very cold weather yet I have not heard from ? nor John either since I came back. John McCerea? Started to Fly? Went as far as Lanimell and got a little unwell and came back again, which seemed a little strange. If he was regularly in the service to come right back because he was a little sick he is still here. I don't believe he is going back anymore. I wrote only one letter to you since I came back, but would have sent another only I heard you had been ? I hope you may get to stay in houses all winter. That would be so much better. There has been no snow severely yet, only sleet. If Kimbal is made Gen who is to be Major. I wish you could get that place. I suppose ? want came home now you had mighty had luck with your box. A woman traveling could have no worse than that. I do hope you may get it. We all write in wishing you a happy new year. Write soon. Sis has been writing you some of her letters. Yours most affectionately, Mary