R.I.P. Rock Island Ill. Dec. 9th 64
Dear Brother

     Your bearing date 25th Nov. came duly to hand, and I hasten to reply. You speak of being in tents. I wouldn't like to be in tents now we have large and comfortable Barracks which are fitted up very conveniantly with good Bunks and Two good Stoves beside one cooking stove. I'm truely glad to here from my old friend Nease, but sorry to learn he is in prison. Sorry to hear of friend Shirley illness hope he will soon recover. My kindes reguards to all my old friends I just received a letter from Cousin J. K. Hunton containing 5$ also news of "All well" he has not had a hemorage of the lungs for a year he is still at Williamburg C. H. has a large and wealthy congregation and is doing well. My health is much better now then it ever was but O! how I long to see home and old friends once more Mother especialy, I thinks of morning, noon, and night I sometimes lament my lot which I think is hard but I always console myself with the thought that God dose all things for the best and in the end will come out all right. I'm exspecting a letter from home every day have not heard from home since I wrote you. Dan Miller & Tidler Join in sending respects to all old friends was transfeird yesterday from BK 69 to BK 31

Your Devoted Bro;
J Harry Read

Direct to BK 31