Charles Roberts to Maggie Roberts (21 August 1865)

              Oxford, Miss, Augt 21st 1865"
My dearest wife,
I arrived here on Friday Evening and
am boarding with Mr Turner. John Watkins and 
myself are at present rooming together."
[Coln Avent] is at work on his building and I have 
engaged the room that was formerly occupied by his Bank."
I fear it will not be finished as Early as I could wish,
for I have no idea under the most favorable circumstances
he will finish it before the middle of October, but their
is no help for it, for the Doctor and Mr Doyle have rented
the other building (Reynold’s) and if Avent had not Kept
to his promise, I should have been without a store."
I told the Doctor on Sunday what I thought of his
conduct and we had a long conversation on the matter
but without any satisfactory result to me and our 
going into partnership is out of the question. I shall
take my own chances and you can tell John he can
make his arrangements for coming up with you and I 
will try to make a merchant of him.
Yesterday I had a chill and feel right weak 
today but, shall take some medicine tonight which I hope
will Keep the chill off to-morrow, with what quinine I
take in the morning.
Well my dear I spent twenty five dollars for )(Written upside down at the top of the opening page:"
Tell Mr Smith he had better Keep a look out for hands for the 
coming year, for they are going to in great demand before
Christmas – Every one talks of hiring –