Dear Sister

     Your letter stating that "box would be started to me immediately" was rec'd several days ago: It has arrived & I was allowed everything sent, at least all I wrote for except 1 pr socks -- namely bed tick, & pillow tick, bed comfort, Bible, 2 silk h'dk'fs, 2 prs socks (You sent 3 prs only 2 prs allowed) & pipe stem. I see "Tobacco" with pencil in Pa's [i.e., Jonathan G. Taylor's] hand I think, written on list. I did not get it, not allowed to be sent. Sutler sells large amount of it. I am very glad to get the Bible, the print is very good & references make the reading so much more interesting, instructive & satisfactory.
I have heard nothing farther of the sad news I wrote you & Pa a few days ago, of dear brother Gip's [i.e., Lt. Jonathan Gibson Taylor's] death on the 15th inst, of Pneumonia, after a few days sickness as I learned through letter from Mr Wardlow. I have written to Mr W. to give me the particulars as far as he could. I am very anxious to know more of it. I was not more surprised at the news in the letter than at the name signed to it, as I had not heard any thing of Mr Wardlow since we separated at school, and do not yet know that I am correct in supposing him to be the same person. He intimated nothing of the kind in his letter which was short, only wrote as an acquaintance. I hope he or some one else wrote home immediately; trust I shall soon receive another letter from Mr W soon. D [i.e., Richard Hawes] & I have plenty of covering to keep us comfortable this winter & can spare a few blankets to friends who need. No sick have left for exchange, no indications that they will soon. D Myself & acquaintances well.

Yr Aff Br
R.W. Taylor