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Russell Va
Sept 10th 1862

James A. Gilmer

Dear son we have written but one letter since your letter of the 13th of last month come to hand we are very anxious to hear from you at this time not knowing what may have befallen you by this time. We have the gratify news to send you that we through the mercy and favour of God are all well Geo. R. Cowan is now at his Fathers and is said to be improving as fast as could be expected the papers say that you have gained another victory over the enemy and Jackson is now in Maryland it is also said & believed here that about 10,000 have been taken and killed together near Richmond in Kentucky Gen. Marshal is about entering Ky. again your Uncle Cumming's Hays & Cummings and Isaacs Billy are all in his army We are getting along with business at home as best we can. Madison Finney & Tom Williams are working for us. We are weaning the colts and want soon to commence sowing wheat. Mitchems family are well his Wife wants you when you write to say where & how he is.

We have been trying to get a substitute for you & Albert made an agreement with a man by the name of Ball procured clothes etc for him he was going to give him $1,000 and after all he declined to go he had not given out trying either to get a sub or having you detailed in some way the papers say congress has passed a law prohibiting substitution except for a mechanic

When you write if you want any thing that we can do say what it is if you should have a chance to hire a man there I will furnish the money it is a slim chance to get a man here to go in the service there I have indulged a hope lately that the war may before long come to a close

I have not time to write more at this time fail not to repose confidence in am omnipotent onmipresent all wise good and gracious Being.

Your affectionate F. & M.
William Gilmer
Jane Gilmer