J. has been at Convention, he met Julia's Uncle David there. It is very rainy and hot, the crops are suffering and there is an outbreak of fever. The Grammer family is well. J. has been spending much of his time visiting the sick.

J.'s health prevents him from visiting Julia's family in Frederick. He fondly recalls previous visits when he discussed agriculture with Julia's father. J. has two single friends living near Julia whom she might "set her cap for."

J. returned home last week after a trip to Richmond and received Julia's letter announcing her engagement. He congratulates her and offers marriage advice. Julia is suspicious of her Aunt Walker's feelings.

[very light and faded, difficult to read] Letter concerns illness and the difficulties brought on by the war.

Kate is enjoying her stay in the country. Sister and the baby are well. Caroline is suffering from the heat, her doctor has sent her away. Cousin L. gave Kate a late wedding present. Kate is looking forward to meeting Irene.

Louisa is placing her son in Myer's charge. Myer has relocated his family to Norfolk, Louisa misses them all, especially Judith. Cary sends her love and regrets not seeing Myer in Richmond. Mama is still complaining, everyone else is well.

Sunday, December 10. Letter from friend of Louisa, discussing writer's father's poor health.

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.