Joe Gerdine to Roxana Chapin Gerdine (1866 September 9)

              A.L.S. September 9, 1866. [Joe Gerdine] to �Dear Ma� [Roxana Chapin Gerdine]. 2pp. Note: Part of the last page continues onto the front of the first page and onto the second page
smoker and understand what is a meercham from a meresham pipe, I would like you to get him purchase me a cheap, durable one, something on the order of Pa�s, not easily broken- his was rather defective about the neck. Then I can smoke in a very respectable manner when I tell how you cured me of �Bessie� and [illegible word] my wonderful experience during my sojurn here. Let it be cheap and stout, as I have not much money to invest and desire it to last a great while.
If there is any thing else of importance just consider it written as my memory is occasionally treacherous. Give love to Lucy Thomas and all that remember me, with my affection I remain your devoted son Joe.)
								Columbus Sept 9th 1866"
Dear Ma
	Although it is a rainy disagreeable evening I have decided to write you what of interest I can recall since my last, probably the only way to while away a portion of the time between this and supper, though I shall have no supper this evening, unless the pouring  rain ceases. I have not visited home for two weeks past, but in the interim entertained Pa, John, and Barb, and heard from diverse other sources. All are flourishing save Pa who has had a few chills, which you know trouble him very much; yet he stands these nobly, and I think will break them entirely soon, and be all right by the time you return, which is an event hoped for earnestly by him and the balance of the family- supposing they all agree in my sentiments. Coln. [illegible word] was at the barbecue given at West Point on Wednesday last, saw some of the boys who told him that Pa had gotten well of chills and was in good health. We have had some little diversion in our immediate midst by mass meetings, candidate speakings and general [log] [illegible word] and tomorrow evening a theatrical troupe commences a series of performances, which I am informed will continue through the season. Mr. and Mrs. Chalmers returned to the city a few days ago- the Coln. looking exceedingly well and happy, the madam I have not seen or heard from, though I presume he is a "