"... continued desperate guerrilla raids.."

War date Missouri related four page ALS. In fine condition, letter has normal wear to be expected. Ink contrast is light in some areas. The letter is much nicer in person than the scan makes it appear.

"Huntsville, Mo
November 22, 1864.


Captain Thomas B. Reed,
Dear bro: I have for some time contemplated writing you, but my surroundings induced in part by continued desperate guerrilla raids have prevented -- indeed I did not for a long time know your locality. Our precious little church was for a time afflicted with 'diphtheria'. The attack of which was probably the most rapid and desperate known in the history of the . I early solicited the aid of doctors Petta Cameron & Muller, neither of whom a new or saving remedy. Pour precious little youngest darling! He died! God will bless him & I trust his association. Father & mother & sister Kay the desperation to the reformation of Father as also the benefit of Mother & sister. In this I find consolation, I can go to him. The Lord gave & has taken away -- blessed forever be his name!

Mrs. Reed was with us on yesterday is well. Jenny & Jemima have toothaches. I extracted for Jenny last week, a gnaw tooth, but another continues to ache. Your Negroes have left & I believe have moved to Huntsville. I procured one yesterday, a gentleman to cut wood for her. The old gentleman is not well. Susan is with him much annoyed about wood.
I expect to visit him tomorrow. Sarah Reid has united in marriage with Whitehead Tom Harvester. I do think you ought to come home as soon as possible. You are much needed to make needed arrangements for the coming winter. Relative to the contract between you and me I have again failed to collect the money. I assigned the paper to W. F.Blunt (owing him) he presented to the proper authority in St. Louis. But as he produced no voucher he failed to collect the money. He returned the paper & two blank vouchers. I should have mailed them to you long since but had them buried & knew not your locality. I at present greatly need money & wish you herefore to write me immediately, giving me your address & will send them to you, you will see some instructions with the papers. Should you obtain a furlough, you might arrange the papers, & collect the money when in St. Louis. Your attention to this matter soon will much.
Oblige, your bro.
William C. Bohannon

N. B. Col Denny has been elected to the assembly & Mrs. Denny has a fine good-looking daughter. In consequence of the uncertainty of the times. I be glad of Colonel Danny would collect & divide the money due Mother's . This he is anxious to do but unwilling until Zach Bohannon has a guardian. Willie is 21, & can act for him very and I shall write to Willie at this hour & direct to Rolla, urge him to be here by next Monday. It is County Court."

Written along the edge is as follows. "Molly & I am affected with great cold and inflamed eyes"

Captain Reed was serving in the 8th Missouri State Militia Calvary unit at the time this letter was sent to him. A rare look into how the conflict was affecting average citizens in the state of Missouri during the Civil War.