Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, December 13, 1863

In this letter from December 13, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife discussing the new position of their friend Danforth H. Ainsworth on the Mississippi and Missouri Railroad. Reed also asks his wife to get a certificate verifying that his name is on the draft enlistment rolls in Joliet, Illinois, as he needs it to have his name removed from the list of first class draftees in Burlington, Iowa. His believes that, as he was not 45 years old when the draft was initially ordered, his name will have to remain on the list of second class draftees in Joliet, but does not believe it likely that "the draft will affect both classes" and tells his wife not to be anxious.

Burlington
Dec 13th 1863.

Dearest Jennie

I was very glad to recieve [sic] your letter inclosing [sic] one from Mr. Ainsworth. He has accepted a place on the M & M RRoad. I am glad of it for you know as well as I do that he is not calculated to enjoy much hapiness [sic] on a farm. Especially if he has the hard work of farming to do himself. I hope he may be succesful [sic] in the place he now ocupies [sic] . I wrote to him a few days before I recieved [sic] your letter and directed to his old residence. Mrs. Ainsworth I see is still at New Albany.

I have not been to Chariton yet and don't know when I can get away something turns up every day that puts off the time of starting from day to day and week to week. I expect to go this week but hope to hear from you before leaving.

Anne dear child how I wish I could see her and know that she has fully recovered from her late attack of sickness.

15th Dec 1863.

I have just recieved [sic] your two letters of 10th inst.and am very glad to know that dear little Anne is convalescent.

The Provst Marshall says it is necessary for me to have a certificate from the Provst Marshall at Joliet that I am enrolled in that place and my name will be stricken from the rolls here. Will you please get the certificate and send it by mail as soon as you can?

I understand that being 45 does not exempt me from the second class unless I had been 45 before the draft was ordered which was in July last. So you see if my information is correct I must remain in the second class and stand my chances, but I don't want to have my name in both lists, at Joliet and Burlington. It is not likely that the draft will affect both classes, and I hope you will have no fears or be at all anxious about the results.

I think all of your kind letters have been recvd but they were so long on the way from some unknown cause that I was really very anxious about home loved ones before I received your kind letters.

We have had some rain and a very little snow. It is quite cold and winter like. The Mississippi is still open but no boats running on act of the very low [stage] of water. The river is so low that the ferry has great dificulty [sic] in crossing at this place.

I must now say good bye [sic] but will try and write you again before I go west. I would not sell the hay for $12. per ton. I am sure it will be worth more before spring opens. Remember me to all.

Yours Affectionately
Saml. B. Reed