April 7, AD 1862

Mr. John Kiplinger

Friend John! Last Friday weeks mail brought yours of March 20 safely in hand your welcome letter. Yes twice, thrice welcome friend John! Your guess was right, I did think that you had forgotten me but when I read your letter found quite different. You are right John and saying that times have changed so much since we went to school together in Warsaw. Oh! happy! school days are they over forever? I hope not don’t you friend! We have not education enough yet, have we John, let us exclaim together, “God!  forbid that our school days be over!” “We must educate or we must perish”. I am well at this time, hope you are the same. Martin’s boys told me of your being there and also that you wish to visit my school but had not the time. I would’ve been happy to have you come into my school. Sorry to hear of your leaving that ? school. And that good old teacher, Mr. Johnson he is such a fine man! Or I am badly deceived how I would like to go to a school there this spring. School opened here last Monday one week ago, last Wednesday the superintendent of public instruction from Indianapolis delivered a speech there it was to the point it was sentimental. I assure you, I was there, of course, or I would not know. Friend Josh (John?) Inv. Galbraith was also there. He is a particular friend of mine. I received a letter from brothers and one from James Best the same day did yours, and as you wanted to hear from ? as I just now think of it will tell you before I forget it; I am happy to inform you that the boys came home last Monday eve on (40 days furlough) both sick had the fever getting probably a little better, very little though. Presume Samuel will get discharged. Hasn’t been duty for three months. Oh! Yes, about company B Robbins he is in the 20th regiment second ? Captain Bailey camp Butler, Virginia. Our boys has been in the regiment company B Captain Murray. I was to be election today and saw Martin Tridle (?) his family is well, except Joseph, he’s not very well and has not been since the last day of school. Dark rainy day and we all got wet going home, well, Jon I can’t write much more at this time too much? Here can’t think of anything to write. It is snowing and raining both this afternoon, commenced raining in the first place, guess it will soon I’ll be snow. I don’t know if you can read this hastily written letter if you can’t just burn it! You have matches haven’t you? I have a good excuse for not writing better. I sprained my wrist Saturday? Stone. No more at this time, but remain your friend as ever write soon, John. 

Yours truly in haste

H.? Widner

Don’t let anyone see this letter. If you do, don’t tell them, I am a school teacher. 

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