Dear Father And Mother

I will write a few lines in answer to your letter of the 22.. of last month I was very glad to here from you. the male doesnot come regular I donot know the reson Them mittens you spoke of I got all wright I got them in good time they have done me A great deal of good. the money I donot remember whether I got it or not it is likely I got it
Dick Woods [i.e., Pvt. Richard Woods, Co. K, 84th Illinois Infantry] says he is all hunk

he dident think I would write it Dick is a good boy their is no better soldier than him.. I was at the theatre night before last it was very good it didnot cost me any thing only standing guard 2.. ours for Goose Crandel [i.e., Pvt. Lafayette Crandall, Co. G, 84th Illinois Infantry] their is three or four of company G that is acters and they have to git some one to stand in their place.. S. M Davenport [i.e., Pvt. Samuel M. Davenport, Co. G, 84th Illinois Infantry] is with the company now he is gitting better he will soon be able for duty I dont think he could stand A march yet a while if ever. he is nearly broke down I think.. Thank God our

time will be out in six months more and that looks like A long time to me now but it will soon pass a way.. I didnot think they could have a good spree up their now I dont suppose their is many boys or girls their now. Squire talked as tho they ware good. I dont know what he would call a good one.. I dont suppose that Father will sell with out he gits his price.. if Charleys temper does not git any better I dont see how he gits a long I think if I had bin their the wagon would not have bin broke --

I suppose Shawley will make his speck this time they must have a good time all of them living in one house. I suppose Mat thinks her young one is a dear little bird lamby.) I would like to see it very much.) Well you will git tired of reding this so I will quit.
     Write often to your hopeful

H H Maley

Wm. M. And
E. A. Maley.)

I guess I will go to the theatre to night I will go as guard it is Company Kys. turn to go