1861 May 10 Richmond City

Dear Sister:

I received one letter in
answer to the first one of mine,
which I answered again imme-
diately, and to my last letter, I
have never received anything from
you--I had hoped you would
be the last to forsake or forget
me, and I can scarcely believe
it yet, so I hope for the best, let
what will come.

I am enjoying my health
tolerable well, and I hope this
may find you in the enjoyment
of good health and spirits, and also
all our friends.

The war fever is still raging
in the city and times are very
exciting.

[page 2]
You need not answer this, be-
cause I do not know but I shall
go away in a few days, and I do
not know now where I shall go.
But wherever I go, you may expect
to hear from me soon, when I
hope you will return me an as-
swer--In consequence of the
troublesome times, I do no know
when I shall get home. Indeed,
if they continue I don't know
if I ever shall return.

Give my respects to Martha,
Kie, and all the family, together
with all enquiring friends.

Give my love to mother, and tell
her I don't know when I will be
home now.

The soldiers are encamped
around Richmond, and are
coming, and going, here and there
every day, from all quarters of
the country.

[page 3]
If there is a letter in the Post
Office for Miss Eliza Fillmore, please
get it out and send it to her, also,
give her my respects, and say to her
for me that I shall be very glad
to see her.

Tell Miss Eliza to say to
Virginia and Betty that I send
them my respects; and that if I
ever get on the Old Island
again, I will not soon leave it.

Yours affectionately,
J. W. Parrish.

MSS 10305-a