December the 15th 1863
Lexington Dist. SC
Dear John,
It is with pleasure I seat my self in order to
drop you a few lines which will inform you that we
are all well at present hoping those few lines may
reach you all enjoin the same besssings
Dear Sone I have an opertunety of sending you
all another box of provisions by Fillip Sharp
as I well no you s[t]and in great need of it so I
wish you all partake of the contents therein
an I dont want you to share with those ladies
that is down in camps you can very easily imagine
what I meane Mr gant mr Williamson both belonge to
your mess I undirstand so you must accomanidate sutch
caracters as these ladies are I hope you will inderstand
Dear Son I am anxious to see you all againe I hare
that Col Kiett has received the papers from the
President so if thes report is true we will expect to see
you all hom in afew days I hope you may have
the pleasure of spending Christmass at home with
me this year.. I will be more than happ to see you all to
geather once more My love to you all an best respects
your Affectionate Mother till death Mariah . E. Jefcoat
Writtin by R. E. Jefcoat to mr John J. Jefcoat My love to thee my Darling
[page 2]
W.J. Jefcoat, Dear sons you will find in this
box two bottles of brandy from my self & your
uncle Allen of our own make out of persimmon
thinking perhaps we wouldent have they leasure
of taking Christmass to geather this year
boys I would like for you to sind all the boxes & bags
all back if you can as nales are very hie there are
two dollars an half a pound..
I have heard of Elick he is on James Island
working on stono river I got a letter from him
last friday by the hand of Jo Harmon. he was
well at that time he found his rashuns better than
he expected.. but his work was very hard.. if you
wish to heare from him you write to joseph Hamron
in care of.. A. H. Caughman, an he will get the letter
nothing more at present I siltl remaine your
Affectionate Father till death .. W. J. Jefcoat
To mr John. J. Jefcoat