Holograph.

The end of this letter is missing.

In this letter, Joseph Ricketson contrasts bountiful nature with man warring against man. He philosophizes on the effect of troubles and sorrows. He tells about the death of his cousin Caroline Hempler and others. He also tells of the engagement of Judge Oliver Prescott to Helen Howland. Joseph Ricketson received a letter from Daniel Foster, the chaplain of the 33d Regiment, who spoke "in the Highest terms of Col. Maggi both as a soldier & an abolitionist and how he had infused his principles of Freedom into the whole Regt." Joseph Ricketson had this letter printed in the Standard. Joseph Ricketson tells of the promotion of Col. Bates, who he thinks is a Weymouth man. He gives information about various others in the service and friends at home.