Austin, Texas
April 11, 1918
to Mrs. Mary A. Shepherd, Ft. Smith

Dear Cousin

   Sister Nett send me your letter dated Jan 23rd, while it was not addresses to me, I was glad 
to hear from you.  I must say both you and sis treated me shabby, but must not complain too 
much for I see you complain of being unwell.  I am well & geting along fine.
   I see you are very patriotic in this war we are into.  If I could see you I know we could 
have an interesting talk.  Last night I had the pleasure of hearing Miss Margret Wilson sing.  
While I care little for solo singing I sure enjoyed that more because it was our great 
presidents daughter & then the money was to help win the war.  While it cost me $1.65 I can say 
after we have licked the Kaiser, "I helped to win the war."  I am going to the reunion at Tulsey
Okla in Sept & if I caught a pass to Ft Smith I may go to see how you look, I know how you 
looked when you was a little girl, but think that was 52 years ago, I think we should see one 
another.  Since I have thought how long we have been separated I feel very much like making an 
effort to see each other.  I have nothing to do & am at no expence & can get passes on almost 
any road in Texas [illegible], running into almost any state.  Last winter I had a pass to 
Little Rock & could have gone on to St Louis.  I think I can get a pass when I get ready.
   Write me at once or I may be gone when your letter comes, but you need not look for me that
soon if at all, for I have so many kinfolks between here & there there is no telling how long 
before I can get that far, with love to you all I am your
     Uncle J. J. McCollough
     [Illegible] confederate home

P.S. I expect to get a passin a short time & go see Sis Nett & possibly may from there to Ft
Smith.