Dalton Geo Dec 25th 1863

Dear Mat
I have Just
Received the nice Box you Sent
me all come Safe I have not
heard from [???] yet I Shall
take care of his coat untill he
returns or untill I can hear from
him my coat is a Splendid fit
& I am highly pleased with it
feels quite comfort table this cold
day I am not well Still
bad off in my Bowels but as we
have good wholsome provisuns to
live uppon now for a while I
hope I Shall Soon get all right
There Seemes to be a regular
plan for furlowing men addopte
in our Co & I [???] my
turn not come So Soon as
first of January So you must
hire a Negro if you can for the
Comming year & not wait for me
I Shall come as Soon as posible
I will not write more
now [???] too cold
yours affectionate John