Thomas Yates to Rachel [Yates]

Springfield, June 10th, 1863.

Dear Rachel, You will doubtless be surprised, to hear from me after so long a silence, but I assure you I have not forgotten you. Are you living at the same place? how many children have you? how is Aunt? Lizzie, William, and the rest of the family?-- what is the reason you do not come to see me. I have just returned from Chicago where we have been visiting, I have not seen Ma, or Mary, for about four weeks. I was taken sick about Christmas, and was sick for three months, six weeks after I was taken sick, I was taken to Jacksonville, where I remained until, I recovered

my health, I have a dear little boy, that you have never seen, he is two years and six months old, is very bright and they say, looks like his mother, and we call him Dickey, he is a perfect sunbeam in our house. Mary also has a very sweet little boy, [willey?] he is a beautiful child and is as bright as he can be. I send you my photograph and Richards, I wish you would send me yours, and Lizzies I have an album and am collecting my friends and relatives Remember me to Aunt, Lizzie, William, and the rest of the family, my love to you and your husband, I hope you will write me soon, very soon, and believe me as ever yours affectionately Th. Yates