Holograph, signed.

Joseph Ricketson has enjoyed the fishing; he wants the children to learn how to swim. The sermon preached by Mr. Potter pleased Secretary Stanton so much that he offered Potter a chaplaincy. Potter, however, declined, thinking that since he was drafted, he should serve in any capacity the government assigns to him. Potter "is the true embodiment of Patriotism and means to practice what he preaches." Joseph Ricketson introduced himself to General (David) Hunter and thanked him "for the noble position he had taken in his department in the South." It has been the hottest summer Joseph Ricketson has ever known. Ricketson will try to come either with his wife or with Joey. He gives news of friends and kin.