My very dear cousin Vira,
This morning when I saw Jessie coming I went out to the road for I thought it must be that some of you had sent some word over to me and I was glad yes more than glad when I found he had a letter for me and from you it done me a great deal good to find I had one friend left I read it over and over and at the bottom I read you wished me to write me write what can I write all I know is one thing and that is they tell me the dreadful and most awful news has come that Jake my soldier boy Jake is gone shot in action is it so can I must I believe them Oh! tell me cant I never see him any never look on his dear face again wont he come to me any more must I watch and wait in vain for his coming he my only soldier boy or