Holograph, signed.

Joseph Ricketson wishes Deborah Weston and her family a merry Christmas. For the last three weeks, Joseph Ricketson has been under the weather, suffering from boils in his nose and mouth. He gives news of New Bedford. Sarah Ann is gradually failing. Captain Thomas R. Rodman left to join his regiment, the 38th. Joseph Ricketson questions Rodman's ability to endure the hardships of military life. Colonel Bates, of Weymouth, "has proved himself a brave officer in the last sanguinary battle of Fredericksburg." Joseph Ricketson quotes Cicero and continues to say: "'O Low pressure Abraham.' Either a weakness or a dogged obstinacy bedims his moral vision. Why can't he see that God has always been an abolitionist, giving man his rights in his first existence, and proclaiming Liberty throughout the land unto the inhabitants thereof." Andrew Robeson's death is a great loss to the community. Joseph Ricketson meditates on the passing of old friends. He greatly desires the promised visit of Deborah Weston.