PASSED BY CENSOR
1/5/18 [initials]

Somewhere? 1-7-'18

My Dear Mother.-

Your letter dated Nov 20th managed to reach me today. Tis the first we've heard from you since Sept 26th[.] I suppose you find our letters very late also.

It was good news to learn of your improved condition and also that you were managing to make the ends meet. It should be much easier now for we have made arrangements to have a part of our pay sent to you direct. [You'll]

please advise us when the amount reaches you. You'll understand the reason our remittances are far apart when I'll say that right now we are two whole months behind with the [payroll]. This is one of the little inconveniences that we get in the service and at that I'm sure that you have felt this more than we.

[I'm] glad that the stock is doing well and that you like your new surroundings. I am hoping that the dark side is over

Tell Father to give me the details about the [mortgage] and extent of the taxes. We are, or will be when we see a payday, in position to take up one of those notes and possibly two of them. This ought to give you less cause to worry about the outcome of our homestead venture.

Have you heard from Grand Pa recently[?] I hope he'll survive the winter for I am building hopes of paying him a visit in the spring. Am grieved to learn of sister's ill health. I have had no word from her since she left the South but I suppose

her illness accounts for it.

Give my regards to G.D. Tell him I often recall the hunts we had together and long to [experience] the same thrill again.

We've a fine cat on board for a mascot. All the world like Munce only we call him "Red." Give my best regards to all or what few of my old [acquaintances] who serve[.]

We are now living in a new year. Let us hope for better one than we just [experienced] I'll do my little bit to make it worthwhile. With much love I close.

Your Affectionate Son
Algy