William Elisha Stoker to Elizabeth E. Stoker, March 30, 1863

March the 30th

Dear Wife Ive received your kind and effectionate letter of the 11th of this month stating that you and familey was well which I was more than glad to hear. It came to hand to day by the politeness of Briant Dearmore. I was sory to hear that Bartlett was ded. I knew [that?] it [greavs?] his parents and [all?] his Brothers and sisters. But Betty if he was prepared he is better off. Those that is prepared the sooner they chaing this world for the one abov it is the better for them. This world is one of distress and trubble. Sometimes every Sundays when I [meditate?] and reflect on the pas how Ive enjoyed my self at home and with you. I am almost readdy to say that if I could see you and Priscilla and enjoy your companey a while I would [be willing?] to change this world for the one abov. Dont greave after him. The ones that gets out of this world first is the best of. I wrote to you yesteday and had my letter sealed. I had heard that Robbert and Bartlett both was ded. I wrote to you to hear the strate of it but as good luck would have it I heard before I started my letter. We get letters mighty seldom. Sid told me the other day the last letter he got from home was wrote the in January. Write regular and maby we will get some of them. Excuse bad writeting it is verry cold and my hand is so cold it is right numb. I receaved a letter from you some time ago [that?] had some shoe strings in it that I never thought to say any thing about untill now. I am much obliged. Ile kiss you when I see you. You stated that you had some corn planted and the bottom was so wet that you couldent do any thing with it. Wait untill it gets dry and then plant it and hav it worked untill it is laid bye. Do the best you can. Get advise from the old man. When you get so you dont know what to do and may the good Lord bless you in all of your trials and diffacultyes is the prars of your effectionate husband.

W.E. Stoker
To Mrs. E.E. Stoker