1962 September 16 "Belmead" Powhatan County, Va.

Belmead  Sep 16th 1862

My dear Grandfather;
                                  Sister Sallie told
us last night that next Friday was
your Birthday & as a Birthday remembr-
ance myself and Mitts have determin
-ed to write you a letter which I hope
will be acceptable. I was very sorry to hear
that the Docter did not think Uncle
Ned would live long, but I believe he
is prepared to die.  I did not think he
would live either.  When I told him
goodbye he seemed to look at me as
much as to say, "We shall never meet

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on earth again."  My dear Grandpa I
do hope that God will bless you on your
Birthday.  Next Thursday is appointed by
the President for prayer and thanks-
-giving to God for having given us the
victory over our enemies &  I hope we
all shall keep it as it ought to be.  There
has been a protracted meeting at Peterville
ever since I have been home and
several of the neighbors have joined the
Church.  Hoping that this may be
recieved as a congratulation on your
Birthday, I remain yr. devoted Grand
-son.  Chas. H. Cocke.  P.S. Tell Fountain
I have made one hat since I left & am
making another  C.H.C.

[see Cocke's obituary for "Uncle Ned" written on the 14th]

MSS 640