Ft. Monroe, Va.

April 12th 1858

My dear Sister,

Your letter of April 4th found me on my return from Washington. I regret that just at this time I have been obliged to volunteer for Utah & have succeeded by this means, in getting my Comp. _________.

I think you had just better use the money you have as if it was your own, that is the interest of it. The most, if not all is yours, Ellie’s, & mine. Keep an account of it & we can settle it amongst ourselves when we get Jim to account for his part. Some probably belongs to Kate & Lydia. Ask Harry to send the California Bonds to be [removed?] or to sell them and invest in something else. I wish to say distinctly now that Harry or George, one will have to ask for yours on their own judgment and give up Jim. Whatever is mine, and I have had little or nothing from the estate, I wish and for your & Ellie’s benefit & I shall leave the money Harry has of mine for your use, and also the Penna. Bond I bought last fall. The small investment I have in N.O. I have directed to be sold. I expect [to] be in Balt. with my Co. the last of this week on my way to St. Louis.

I will not have time to visit Phila. or Lancaster as I wished to do—I am very busy. Love to all—Harry, Kate & Reynolds, & little Harry. I will write to George &c. in Balt. & see them when I go through. Write to Sam for me & tell him I cannot now take his share of the mortgage on the house as I said I would as I will want the ready money I have for my outfit.

Your affectionate Brother,

John F. Reynolds

Miss H.S. Reynolds

Phila., Pa.