Dear Minerva

     I mailed a letter to you yesterday with $20.00 Enclosed, I had some fears of sending any large amount in that way. I have an opertunity of sending this by Capt Sumner [i.e., Capt. John Sumner, Co. G, 53rd Indiana Infantry]. I Enclose $100.00 in this. If you have sold corn or wheat to pay the taxes use this for any purpose you see proper In your first letter let me know if you have Rec^d this letter and the one with the $20.00
     We have no certainty yet of where we will go It has been the prevailing opinion that we would go down the river. And I have shared in that belief But when all things are considered there may not be the reason for thinking so that we were at first led to believe there was. At least for the present It is reported here now that the forces befor Vicksburgh have been compelled to come up the river a peace in consequence of the levee's breaking and their camp overflowing. If this should be the cace I doant think they will take any more troops there at present I regret that you could not come down. It has been for some time most delightful weather for a visit It is now dry pleasant and Spring like. If there was any certainty of our remaining here long

I would again ask you to come down. But this is all uncertain. But I urge you to look well to your health You are not stout at best and if you do not use proper care you will by over taxing your strength and Exposure keep your self down Take something at once for the cough of which you complain
     The Col's & Maj's wives leave for home today They have had quite a protracted visit. M^rs Gresham however was just in time to wait on the Col throug quite a hard spell of Sickness. He has now recovered but has not gained his strength yet
     I am inhopes you are taking some good paper so as to keep yourself informed of the movements of the army &c If you are not I think you had better subscribe for one at once
     I with you am sorry the children are stoped from school. You say they were leaining quite fast. Try to keep the at there books, Send Flora to Mr Seeley if you think proper, If you can instruct the balance your self I think you had better do so. If you could hire a girl to stay with you and do the wok I would advise you to do so This would give you time to instruct the children and visit your friends. which I think you ought to do as much as possible I have not got stout yet. but I feel quite well and I am gaining in both flesh and strength
     Write often, Remember me to all

Your affectionate Husband
George Thomas