it has been a long time since I have he[a]rd from you but as I thing [think] this will be my last oporunyti [opportunity] of [w]riting you I sat down with my friend Reuben to let you know what a fix We are in We are Covered with sick from head to feet and Gray backs at that and worse than that the Rebels are all around us as thick as the verry [very] divle [devil?] and still worse than that I have got the belly ake [ache] from Eating pie and cake And Worse than that I have got the [init?] flue [flu] and the docter [doctor] thinks that I wont live from one End to the other …………Henry don’t think bad of the Former page but read this With more care and tell me why You did not answer the letter I [w]rote You and tell me how the [parce?] boys are getting along and if their [there] is any more rabbits upthar [up there?] and if you want my riffle [rifle] goin[g] to Detroit and get it and be fore [before] you use it mutch [much] get it emearged [emerged?] out and if you do so ill pay you for it