Pittsfield, Ill., August 5th 1864
Dear Son, we are glad you can begin to hop around some but do not exert (?) too much or you may be injured and much longer getting well or getting home. We wish you were here but don't start until you are sufficiently able to take care of your self on the road. We have not got any letters from Franklin since we wrote to you and we are very anxious to hear from him for we have heard they have taken Atlanta and had lost 2,000 soldiers lately and 3,000 about the 27th of June. Franklin wrote the 11th of July and told us about you only told us about one leg and you said both. William Sharp said he thought I could not bear it all at once. I can bear to hear all that I am willing for you to endure. I hope soon to hear that Franklin is not killed for there is much danger and fighting of late and no one to write to me. I wish you were well and with him. I can't wait very patiently. I am so anxious to hear from him. Dear Boy, why doesn't he write do you think he is wounded. He may be or he would write. I hope he is well but where would they send him if he is wounded. If you hear tell me soon as you can about him. Was he barefoot when he left you on the 4 (?) Or had he got shoes. I am sorry indeed but I hope that is the worst that has happened to him. We got 2 letters from Marion. Mary one and me one. He is well.

Milton (*apparently the family called Jacob Milton - Milton) is helping Curless' thrash. He sent his wife to see if he could get Henry for he can't find a horse to buy now so I let them have Henry. He is to thrash our wheat soon. He helped to bind it. Gerten cut it. Our corn is good but was not plowed but twice. Milton wants to go to you. He is too young and I think one should stay here. Marion says he is going to stay at home then I want Milton to go to a trade for Marion minded just as much what I said as Milton does so I think he better learn a trade.

I am getting tired writing. I just wrote one to Franklin and I was just the best pleased just now for Rachel Curless brought me 4 letters from you and one from Franklin wrote on the 25. He was well then but his writing did not look like he felt well for it was poorer than mine (?). Now don't think we don't go to the P.O. for Mary's was there yesterday and William Brown was here. We have your Book too(?) Franklin said he was thinking of coming home to go to school next winter. I hope he will.

I must close this for I must send them in the morning by Mrs. Crone. My love to you dear boy. I did tell you about Marion if you got it. He is in Co H. I will send you his letter.

Signed Wm. Cooper Rebecca Cooper