Page: [1]


Sunday Oct [October] 19th 1856 
My dearest Callie,
I reached Montgy [Montgomery] this morning after the most disagreeable night's ride I ever had -- seven cars full of -- from the Atlanta meeting, drunk, noisy &c [et cetera] On getting out of the car at West point to change over I was thoroughly chilled -- but worse than all my heart was in Athens with Callie and Joe -- never dearest wife [deleted text: I] have I left you with so sad a heart never have I so longed to be with you to love you, to aid you in watching and nursing our dear little boy -- I have strong hope he will recover God grant my hopes may be realized -- I feel that Joe will be better nursed without me than with me, but I think I could aid and relieve you more than any one else --

I see from a Marion paper that [unclear text: Joddan] the P. M [Prime Minister] is dead -- that 



Page: [2]  

Judge [illegible text] & son of Mobile were drowned in the bay whilst fishing --
I met with Mr & Mrs Price & Miss Nelson of the Canebrake at Union Point, also Elliott & family of Eutaw, we all take the stage in a few minutes for Selma -- I dread the river -- the river is still down, there having been no rain since we passed through --

I have staid [stayed] in my room all day trying to rest, but my mind has been with my darlings --

Be of good cheer, dearest -- write daily to him who loves you with his entire heart --

devotedly your 
[Signed] Porter --