“Utica June 19th 1862

Dear Clarinda

I received your letter & to day I have been to the Post office every night this week I had almost begun to get discouraged about getting a letter from you oh I have been so lonesome since you and the little ones are gone I hardly know what to [sic- missing do?] I little thought when you were gone I should miss you so much Clarinda I am not gifted much with words but now I find how when you are gone how Dearly I loved you kiss the Babies both for me and take good care [p2] of them every one who meets me says why Pete whats the matter why you look choopfallen enough is your old woman gone with both the Babies what makes you look lonesome but Clarinda I cannot help it our families are well at present and are all in a hurry to hear from you I have been working in the garden evenings and playing on my old fiddle Clara I have set out nearly a hundred Cabbage Plants and dear Clara our garden looks finely [p3] Jerry mullin is on his way home raving crazy and his wife is gone after him and they have caught that young scapegrace alex lyons while trying to make his escape on Board a vessel in Toronto Canada west there is [sic- missing “a”?] Circus performing here to night but Clara I shall not go because I want to have you with me when I go to any amusements it seems so much Better Clarinda I am sorry you are near out of money but in the next letter I must try and send [illegible words?] some [p4] my work is just the same as it was and old Hill and the musk rats wants some just now I have slept to home every night but one down to mothers and on Sunday had supper to Jones I don’t see what fun old maids and old Batchelors [sic] have living all alone I think I shall come down by and by keep up your spirit for my sake Clara tell Ida the rats has not eat pa clear all up and kiss her for me and willie to [sic] and Clara oh take care of them for my sake I have not got much more room to write so I must close love from your one true and Devoted Husband Peter L Dumont “