Pikeville July 5, 1859

My Dear Mary

I have just come from the P. office and feel greatly disappointed in not getting a letter from you. I have no doubt, that you have written but it has not come. Perhaps you did not get your letter to the P.O. in time. I must excuse you, as I know you have a very bad chance to write. I wish you would write often to me. I don't want you to write long letters. I know you can't do it. You will have to stay with your mother a great deal and then the children are so troublesome. A few lines every other day would not take much time. That's all I ask. There is so much inquiry about your mother! And then I can't help feeling uneasy about Eddy. But I must wait two more days before hearing. O. I feel so bad about it! But I must not be childish.

The Opposition are making preparation for the barbecue. The(y) aim to rear a tall liberty pole with a banner prepared this week by the ladies in town and from the country. There was a considerable number of ladies in town yesterday from the country to help make the banner.

I heard this evening from Mrs. Young. She is getting well. I am truly glad to hear it. L. R. Fain and his family arrived this evening from Sparta.

Billy will get done ploughing tomorrow. I have another man helping him. We need rain very much in my field.

Mr. Rogers has not returned from Spencer and it is bedtime. He will not come tonight. Mr. Howard is selling a great many goods to those preparing for the barbecue.

Tell the children that Pa has found a parcel of little pigs for them - - 2 for Eddy and 2 for Lucius and 2 for Ida and 2 for Ella - - pretty little pigs and they may have them if they will come and see me. Tell Eddie and Lu to write to me (if they are alive and well). And now good night dear wife. May God bless you.

Your husband

W. J. Hill


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Transcription used with permission of Charles Massey.

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Transcription by Charles Massey.
Image by G. Anne Sloan