1. When there is no punctuation in the document, it is added in brackets if needed for clarity.

2. The notation [sic] is used to indicate a misspelled word if needed for clarity.

3. A blank space, i.e. ________ indicates a word in the document that is not dicipherable.

4. The capitalization style in the original document is copied.

5. Square brackets, i.e. [ ] are used to indicate an addition by the transcriber to clarify meaning in the original document.

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-Mary D. Edwards Summer 2000

Seedsfarm [?] West Co. Va.

May 18th 1866

My Dear Sister Kate

Your very kind and ever dear letter of the 5th of April was duly received which found me quite well & truly glad to hear from you. I reckon you think very strange of me, for not replying sooner but when I tell you the reason I know you will forgive me,, about 5 or 6 weeks ago my eyes became so very weak that I could not possibly see to read or write[,] consequently I could not answer your letter, & even now, it is with the greatest difficulty imaginable that I can barely make out to write[.] I am reduced to the painful necessity of wearing glasses - it is truly a sad misfortune for ones eyesight to be so seriously impaired as is the case with me at this time, but I hope - by the constant use of green grapes to have my sight restored. My Brother once suffered, with the same missfortune [sic] but regained his sight by wearing grapes[.] I hope I may be equally fortunate[.]

Well sweet Sister. (Oh! how I love to call you Sister) you must not expect a long or interesting letter this time for it is very painfull [sic] to my eyes - while I am writing & besides I cant see the lines on the paper[.] Consequently my writing will be very crooked & imperfect all of which I hope you will excuse. I am really sorry that I cant write so as to interest you, for your - dear Sweet letters are always so truly interesting to me. I wish my mind was more expansive - or that I was capable of producing language that when transmitted to paper would fully unbossom [sic] myself to you - that I could tell you in impressive language how dear you are to me & how I appreciate your friendship - had I the intellect of a Byron & could weild [sic] the pen of a Novelist when might I give you some idea of my profound admiration of your instimable [inestimable ?] worth. as a lady a Christian a true noble & constant friend[,] one whose love - I regard as a boon too sacred to be bestowed upon one so insignifficant [sic] as my worthless self. I cannot use figurative language & therefore Dear Kate - can only say I believe you are good, & in simple language Say, I love you & am devoted to you more than any friend under the same circumstances - It is truly grievious [sic] to me Dear Sister that I am so situated that I cant visit you. I know of nothing that would afford me s much pleasure as to be convenient so I could enjoy your society often.. but if ever I am blesed [sic] with means & opportunity - rest assured I will certainly visit you,,

Well Sis Kate. I have no news - to communicate that would be of interest to you - times are exceedingly dull & money scarcer that I ever knew it before - Farming is the principle order of the day - though crops are looking very badly in consequence of the cold wet season - fears are entertained that crops will be very short this year as the weather keeps so unnaturally cool - the health of the people is generally good in this community - I am in better health than I have been for six months - my brother enjoys fine health. my Father’s family is well himself excepted - he is quite old[,] very infirm & constantly complaining -

You must remember me kindly to your father & family - with much love for your self[.] I remain as ever your fond friend Robert Stedman

PS With ____