New Orleans, La.

Sep’t 27th 1853

My dear Sisters,

Since I became convalescent I have been over the Lake at Pascagoula & Pass Christian, where I spent a week most delightfully [enjoying?] the sea breeze for the first time this year. At my return I found your letters awaiting me. I am enclosing Mr. _____’s I rec’d this morning & agree with him regard to his opinion of the gentleman.

I am glad to learn such favorable accounts of Will’s health but you say nothing of Be[cky]’s and one of your letters recently you mentioned that Becky was sick.

Since I wrote to you one of my clerks died of Black Vomit over the Lake. He was only sick three days. He was a very worthy young man from Ohio. He was afraid to remain in town & I let him go over the Lake early in August, but this year the Fever has been everywhere in this vicinity—even on the plantations which have always been exempt in former epidemics.

Give my love to all at home. If I don’t get the appointment of C.S.—of which it seems I have a very good chance—I will spend next summer at home. That will be some consolation at any rate.

Believe me Your

affectionate Brother John

I spent my birthday over the Lake on a picnic. I almost forgot it.

J.F.R.