Dear Husband

     I have nothing of Interest to write but supposing you are always glad to hear from home I will give you what news there Is this Is the most delightful day we have had this spring It Is like summer & as tis the Sabath the children are rambling all over the fields Gena & Grace are like 2 birds let out of a cage the weather has ben so bad for some time that It produces a change with us all to have pleasant weather a gain
     George Shead & Sam Is to take the oats field In Partnership they will commence Breaking up the ground In the morning I had some potatoes planted yesturday In the garden the Fruit trees Is all put out George took a greate pains In putting them out he hauld dirt from the woods to put round the roots the price of corn & wheat still remains the same

we have Ben having company this afternoon Fernando Waugh [i.e., Sgt. Fernando D. Waugh, Co. D, 65th Indiana Infantry] Is home & I let them have the horses & wagon to go to Johns & Masons & they came up to day he leaves for the Regiment to morrow he complaines of the Rheumatism & says he has not ben well for some time John Thomas was here with them he heard there was a sack of coton seed at town that you had sent by capt Shively [i.e., Capt. Lewis B. Shiveley, Co. F, 53rd Indiana Infantry] but he did not find out whether they had ben left there or not James Ausburn wife died last week & Joseph Grahams son [i.e., Pvt. John W. Graham, Co. K, 12th Kentucky Cavalry] was brought home dead & was buried to day at town he was In the Cavalry
     well I must enclose a secret to you there Is some talk of Margret & a M^r Williamson getting married but I have not learned the particulars yet so I can not give you any further Information at present Kate Gideon was maried to James Brown last thursday
I have nothing more of Interest the family & Relations are all as well as usual I have ben troubled with the sore throat

for the last 2 weeks I have not got over my cough yet the Baby has got to walking & talks a little she looks so rosey & fat you would not know her write soon

your affectionate wife
Minerva Thomas

16 Captain Shively called on us this morning I was very glad to see him & to hear from you all his wife Is not able to get home I Insisted on his coming out & staying with us until she Is able to get home he said he would If she did not get better soon
John went home By town & saw the Capt & delivered the letter & seed
the trees are all wraped In straw It was Thortnton Pharow of Rockport George & him are plowing to day the weather Is delightful for work now
I did not pay our Tax
you Speak of my coming down the capt seems to think you remain at Memphis for some time & If you should I will arrange things so I can leave home If this be so let me know the house Is almost finished

I must close Jane is waiting for the letter I am very glad you all Enjoyed your Box of provisions

M Thomas