Letter from Joseph Townsend 1873 to his brother ( Henry Townsend ) Text

Giles Co. Tensse: December the 18 1873 Dear Brother and
Sister I drop you a few lines to inform you that my self and
family are well at the present time. I hope that this few lines
may find you in joying the same blessing. Aunt Rosy received
you letter December the 14th. I have not much news at present.
But hard times, crops short, money scarce, trade dull. Brother
Jackson health is some better than when you left my house. I
want you to send me all of your address. Now I give you all of
childrens names I will commence at the first John Bric Mary
Alice Longo Idey Wily the baby. Quess which you think I love
the best. All. Tell Mary and that she out (ought) to be here to
see them all play puss in the corner. I made six bales of
cotton and one hundred barrels of corn, eighty four bushels of
wheat. I was over to see Brice in September Willy was right
heart. I and the old neger traded Sam. Direct your letter to
Tensee Giles Co. Maybe your letter lay in the Pulaski a long
time before we got it. Nothing now til I receive one from you.
Yours Truely until death. Sign your name like me.
Joseph Townsend