Cairo, Illinois
Cairo Ill Jan. 23rd 1865
Brother Sam
I will try and write you a few lines this afternoon in answer to yours which I received last Friday. I was glad to hear that you was all well and enjoying yourselves generally.
I have no news of importance to write or nothing more than you see in the papers. There is no prospect of us leaving home very soon at lease not before spring. When the new Regts are raised. We may then be sent to the front. But I hope the war will then be over. I would not be surprised to hear of the surrender of the entire Reb Army before sixty days. But if the war should end now we would not get home before our time expires.
The weather has turned quite cold again and is freezing ham. I was very glad that you sent me a lock of Willeys hair. I would like to see the little chub and to hear him talk, but I don’t expect to see any of you before next fall.
I am glad that Wesley and Josey is learning the good opportunity they have of going to school. What is little Ben about. Can he leave Aunty being enough to do to see the folks.
I an having a fine time this winter, not much to do plenty to eat and the privilege of going when I please in the City, only one difficulty, the pocket is getting empty as we have not got our pay for the last muster and don’t know when we shall.
I want you to write the particulars about the Cleland (?). Note, find out if it can be collected. If it can stave it off as long as possible.
Taxes is very high I think it will make some scratch to get the money. When you write let me know how my horses look and who has them this winter and how many sheep are you wintering and where my cattle are.
I think Washington made a good trade when he let Charley go.
I have been at meeting almost every night this winter only missed once these weeks I wonder how many times you have been at church since I left home. I fear not often. If so, this is not- "Remember thy creator in the days of thy youth" and reflect not thy souls best interest while in the morning of life, but lay a shure foundation for the time to come.
Let me know if then is any meetings held your schoolhouse this winter. It is getting late and I must close.
Write after. My love to you all
Yours truly
Robert Steele