Oct 30 Dear Maria

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For a long time I have wished to write you but have not felt able. here I am sick with Billious Fever but getting along very well and the Doctor told me today that there was no trouble but that I would get along all right. Though he said it would be some time before I would be able for duty. I am very well situated in a pleasant little family and they do for me as well as could be expected and that is well, but oh if I were only where my loving wife could only stop in and seem me once in a while it seems as though all disease would disappear I am very very very sorry sorry you did not get my letters regularly for I am sure

I wrote twice a week up to the time I was taken sick and that is Two weeks ago to day (Thursday) I had orderly write for money and he promised he would write you and keep you posted as to me. I am now bolstered up in a great chair and write a few words at a time but it is hard work at that. My fever is wearing away and soon I will have none My skin is as yellow as gold and Oh! how nasty I feel I rest very well nights considering and all are very kind to me I can walk from my bed to my chair and sit up abt one Hour per day I have no appetite at all and eat nothing scarcely I am getting pretty tired but will

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just say that you need have no trouble about me as I am doing fine If I expect to be very sick for very long I should want you here but as I am doing so well and the prospect is so fair I think it would be folly to have you come.

I will write as often as I can and see that you are kept posted

Believe me your best
of Earthly Friends and
Affectionate Hus, Val

I need the money to pay my board