Transcription:
Portage City May 16? , 1863 Dear John As I expect to see you here soon I thought I would let you know how to find us out
as we have moved to a different part of the city. when you get to the Elsworth House come straight west about 1/2 mile and
you will see some houses, look for a small new barn and a well near it at the bottom of Prospect Hill. I like to live here
very well - by going to the other side of the hill I have a very pleasant walk along the side of the Wisconsin river, and
I think you would enjoy a walk on Prospect Hill very much as there is such a fine view from it. I hope your health improves
we are all pretty well. I am glad you get along so comfortably with your studies. the girls are getting along with theirs
very well. We had a letter from Daniel yesterday he is well, but he has left Toronto, and he is now at Markham 25 miles north
east of Toronto - David is still in Forbes Store - as yet there seems to be no end to this unhappy war it is rumoured there
will be drafting in this state in the month of June I hope it will not take place the dreadful miseries