Dear Nat,

I must write you a letter to let you know how I am getting on. I am well at this time and am staying with Bet. I have not much news to write. Webster is quite jolly, and has been for some time. The doctor is attending on him. Most of the family are tolerably well. I was at home this morning. I do not think that Nat is any better. The doctor thinks it is the feaver. I was disappointed not getting a letter from you when Cooper come. Nat, I want to know exactly what is the matter with you, for I keep hearing that you are coming home. It keeps me always uneasy that you are not well. Tell me the reason that you can’t come for, I think it is hard that you are sick and cannot get home. You must be sure and come home Christmas anyhow, if you can’t before. I will send your shoes by Cooper as Bet is going to carry them to him tomorrow. I got leather from Jinkin. Jasper is always talking about you, worse than he ever did.

Nat, I sent you some things by Hershel Rumsey, and I also sent a letter and have got no answer yet. Bethy said you was coming home, for she dreamed of you last night for the first time, and she believes you are coming.

Nat, wright me how much you are owing Wash, so that I can pay him, for I do not know. And if you do not come home soon, let me know if you have paid Mr. Walker for that coffe and whiskey you got of him. Wright and let me know how you and Mr. Walker’s Settlements are.

Mother says you must come home as soon as you can, for she never wanted to see you as much in her life. She says she is doing very well. Nat, you do not Know half how bad I want to see you. Sometimes I think I cannot stand it no longer. I am doing the best I can. I often think of the pleasurful hours we have spent togeather. But, Nat, I trust we can spend as many more. One twelve months will not be always. I hope we will live as we once have . . . Many changes since this time last year.

I will send you a night cap in Andrew’s coat. Beth has got your name on it, for I know you will need it these cold nights. If you need anything, let me know and I will send it. Beth and Polly send their best love to you. There is a great deal of sickness in this neighborhood. Rooker Rumsey lost two children with the sore throat and a good many other children has died with the same disease. Nat, I got Tandy Rumsey to make your shoes. I do not mean that I will have to pay him anything for making of your shoes, as I lent your wagon to carry Henry to the Big Lick. I must hasten to a close as it is getting late. Tell Burwell and Joe that Jenkins’ folks is all well. And Tim’s good family are all well. Give my respects to Burwell and Joe. Beth, she sends her respects and says she would like to talk over old times. Give my respects to Andrew too and tell him to bring you home at Christmas and we’ll give you a good dinner.

Nat, you must write every chance. I am always glad to hear from you. Tell me exactly how you are getting on.

May the Lord be with you and withhold no good thing from you is the sincere wish for you here.

Your unchanging wife,

Jane Oxley

Mr. Nathaniel C. Oxley

Care Cap’t Wade

Richmond, Va.

(politeness of Mr. Cooper)