Transcription:
as matters have now shaped it will be impossible for either of us to return, next term at least; so, recollecting? your acquaintances
with Mr. Dates. I write to you at his P.O. hoping that it may reach you. If you will send me your address I will forward the
book by return mail. We found our friends all well on arriving home and glad to see us. Crops are looking very well in this
neighborhood, but will not be half the yield of last year, the drought having affected them materially, and also there is
some complaint of rush? in wheat. The Fo illegible was illegible in our village with great enthusiasm and success, the
newly awakened military excitement being represented by two companies of Home Guards who contributed in a great degree to
the interest of the occasion. Have you heard from your application for a Patent yet? and what new wonder have you been inventing
lately? Hoping that our unintentional illegible has caused no serious inconvenience I am Sincerely your friend Harvey Reid