It was a great happiness to hear from you My Dear Brother, at a time when you knew how ---- you are about the state of our country and the uncertainty that propels and agitates your community—it is hard enough here where every day our --- is of war and outrages incident to ---- . But the minds of the people are made up and their energies seem all directed to one point. While you have to struggle and keep watch over the disaffected. May God watch over the union and help those who labor for its protection.