Barton responds to Moses' request for advice about starting his own farm.

Complains about the amount of company at the house. He's suffering from a bad cold. Hopes Norfolk is healthy even though "the pestilence has spread so widely around it."

Many rumors are flying, few of them prove true. Communication with Washington is suspended, military companies are armed and being augmented hourly. "Unanimity of sentiment and enthusiasm prevail in the community."

Joseph will send Moses the book he requested. Joseph wishes to give up his office due to poor health but cannot as he is of essential service to the state. He will gladly assist Moses in finding a secure retreat for Julia and the children.

Joseph has resigned his position with the railroad for health reasons. He would join Virginia at Amelia Springs but for his promise to Edward Mayo to look after his affairs in his absence. Joseph wishes his health would allow him to serve in the field.

Moses is disappointed that he cannot obtain a government appointment. Joseph thinks it would be folly for Moses to leave his family and interests unless he is offered a post which would justify doing so. Joseph is giving up his quarters in Richmond.

Joseph is going to visit Amelia Springs and then return to Richmond to a railroad office position at $50 a month, as his health won't allow him a better job. He lost a key while visiting Moses, asks if it has been found. Joseph is sending a bottle of hair tonic to Julia.

Joseph informs Moses that William James is "not worth a dollar," and that the sheriff has served him a warrant for an upaid grocer's bill. "He is known here by very few, and by those few to their cost."

Joseph has been ill, Virginia and the children left Amelia Springs and are staying in Ashland.  Little George is well but could suffer another attack at any time.  Does MOses know of a house in Norfolk that ex-Governor Lowe and his family could rent?

Virginia and the children are happy in Ashland but Joseph is disgusted by everything there. He discusses political favoritism and the difficulties in obtaining an appointment. No news of General Lee's movements, nothing but inactivity since Manassas.

McBlair has offered Joseph a position as Master's Mate at Day's Point for $25 a month, he has accepted and plans to leave Ashland in about one week. Discusses political favoritism and nepotism in the government. The Army should be on the move soon.

Scope and Contents

Joseph received an appointment as a Treasury clerk and moved to Richmond. He is staying at the Columbian Hotel but will soon move to a room. His hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., he works under "stringent and rigidly confining" conditions.

Joseph fears his Treasury position will be dropped when the provisional government expires in February. He assures Moses of his value to the family and business, Moses wants to buy a commission. Joseph passes on news of their northern relatives.

Joseph has been working long hours at reduced salary. He will support Moses in any way possible if he wishes to run for office. Asks Moses to send the Doctor some carrot, parsnip and Navy bean seeds. Says that Charleston has burned. Prices in Richmond are very high.

Joseph explains why his office is located within the General Post Office Department. The Doctor received the oats that Moses sent but cannot plant them now as his lease expires July 1. No war news to report, just "idle rumor." Josephine Gracie had a miscarriage.

Richmond is threatened with the loss of gaslight, as the works need to be repaired and material is not available. Joseph has no information as to the estate of Uncle Marx since he sees the Doctor only rarely. Joseph's railroad stock is worthless due to a robbery.

Joseph reassures Moses that Norfolk is well prepared for defending itself and a much safer place than Richmond would be for the family. Fort D___ has fallen, but "if our people are but firm and true, we must triumph in the end."

Joseph reassures Moses again about Norfolk's safety from immediate attack. Joseph was promoted so his position seems secure. His health has been poor. There is a mumps epidemic in Norfolk. Asks if Moses will enroll himself on the military bill.

If Julia and the children come to Richmond for their safety, Joseph will pay 1/3 of their expenses. He'll keep Moses informed of any new laws or regulations that may affect his business. Joseph's health is poor, he may try homeopathy as Moses suggested.

Joseph is ill, his doctor suggest he give up his job. Navy Commander Myers has died. Joesph discusses Burnside's movements, the "affair at Newport News," the blockade of Norfolk, and the Army of the Potomac's falling back at Fredericksburg.

Aunt Georgy is very ill, Julia and several uncles are also ill. Joseph is still in poor health. He discusses Burnside's movements, the campaign in Tennessee, and Jackson's victory at Winchester. Joseph urges Moses to apply for a service exemption due to age.

The weather is cold, thousands of soldiers passing through Richmond on their way to the Peninsula where McClellan, Wood, and Burnside have assembled their troops. They're expected to march on Richmond. Has Moses requested a release from militia duty?

Moses asked Joseph about the location of a family bible, he's trying to prove his birthdate to avoid militia service. Joseph asked the Doctor, who believes the document in question is in their grandmother's prayer book, which Aunt Judy has.

The government is preparing to evacuate Richmond on short notice, they will relocate to Atlanta. Joseph will go, too, if that happens. He would give a great deal to see the family again and worries about how they will reunite when it is all over.

What does Moses mean by saying he is out of funds? Joseph can sell his furniture for about $100 if that would help. In North Carolina Moses would pay about $75 a month to house his family.