Transcription:
4 not be a very handsome picture. I would like to have your picture too, but would like to see you better than your shadow.
I have no news particularly to write to you. Things are going on here about the same as when you were here, only there is
this difference. I have got a sister now which I have not had the pleasure of saying for twenty-four years before. Daniel
got a great disappointment the other day when they got Amy's letter with the intelligence that David was to get the watch.
Dan had been working for some time making a hickory case for it, but he says he will make it into a snuff-box. The boys
send all their best wishes for your welfare, and accept mine also. And now, John, I hope God will be first in all your under-
takings. Remember, without his blessing you cannot get along so well, therefore remember him always. I am not so good a boy
as I ought to be, but I can say with one of old, by the grace of God I am what I am. Goodby, John, and may God's blessing
be with you. Your sincere friend, W illiam Reid. 627