Roxana Chapin Gerdine to Emily McKinstry Chapin (1862 January 25)

              A.L.S. Jan 25 [1861]. �R. Emma� [Roxana Chapin Gerdine] to �Dear Sister Em� [Emily McKinstry Chapin]. 1p. With envelope. Note: Large hole in center of letter.)
								Plantation Jan 25th 
Dear Sister Em-
	I have been imploring Lucy to write you but she keeps at her knitting work so you must be content with mine. I wrote Father some two weeks ago and a few days after rec�d a letter from Arthur saying you were all well and your son also. also of Ursula Finch�s death: fearing you might not have rec�d that letter I write again. We are limited to one page & must not mention war news. You must direct �via Fortress Monroe� as Arthur did and we shall receive it. If nothing happens to prevent you may expect [several illegible words due to hole] home as early as the birds fly North: Lucy gets so [illegible word due to hole] I would start off directly if I dare but I know it would [illegible word due to hole] for her and my children to change at this time. I shall risk it some time in March. I think. The Dr. says she has the Liver complaint badly that causes her diarrhea. he says her lungs are not diseased but she has some cough nights and in fact I think she is impatient to teach or go home so to cure her I will take her where she will see somebody. Col. Young�s family were here yesterday visiting and laughed at the idea of her being sick. She looked so well but looks deceive sometimes. Tell Father he must not worry that we shall get along nicely when we start without communication by that time [has] ceased between Norfolk and Portsmouth. My sheet is covered and I have written nothing. do write soon and tell me all the news- All send love to all- Aff. R. Emma