Letter from John Moses (1)

while serving in the army

to his brothers and sisters at home

Dear Sister Ette,

As you are the baby I thought I had better write a few lines to you. Are you a good girl? I rather guess you are well, try and help Sister Jennie all you can and kiss her for me. Tell her that her brother’s love is as strong as ever and if medicine will do her no good there is a balm in Gilead that will heal our wounds. Trust in Jesus and all will be well. Write to me Ette, and it will larn you to write letters. Tell me how many cows you milk and how many calves you are raising etc.

From your Brother John

Lucy Dear I thank you for writing, whant you to do so again. I suppose you have your hands full with work now that Jennie is so sick. Well obay your parents and grow up a woman that can go through the world with a clear mind that you wrong nobody. Give my love to those that inquire after my welfare. I was in N.Y. City this week and Josie showed me her new bonnet, a very pretty one for the price and a good one too. It cost five dol. Good by to you this time.

Your Brother John

Brother Andrew how do you get along? I whant you to tell me if father takes of trading farms any more and what you are doing. There is a Englishman hear. He has been in the Guardhous nine weeks. He comes out once in a while. I guiss he would be a smart man if he would only take care of himself. He is well drilled, I guiss there is not a officer in the English army and I rather guiss a deserter but he is smart no mor.

John

Well white head Charley, do you think I have forgotten you? No sir! If I have babys of my own to love I still have Brotherly love to all my sisters and brothers. Tell me how Andy uses you. Yes I whant you to write too. You must larn to read write and spell so when you get to be a man you will not make such bad spelling and writing as I do. Grow up a good boy and love your Maker, and if we should never meet again on earth we may in heaven. Except the true love all of you of your

Brother John Moses

Note from Elizabeth (Lizzie) Moses Eldred (15) concerning her father, John Moses

One thing I know, my father never went to school much (only night school after working all day) in England. He was 15 when they came to this country and never went to school here.

He had a splendid memory and was a great reader. He was what you might call a self-educated man.