Holograph, signed.

The beginning of this letter is missing.

Joseph Ricketson says that his brother, Daniel Ricketson, has become a Quaker preacher: "he told me he was disgusted with the indifference with which Quakers looked upon the war & slavery & were so guilty of the sin of omission, in not being outspoken in the subject, ..." Joseph Ricketson comments on the "grand speech" of General Franz Sigel at Washington on "Liberty to all Mankind." Joseph Ricketson said: "Thank God for the Teutonic and other elements in our nation." Colonel Maggi has command of the 33rd Regiment at Lynnfield. Joseph Ricketson believes: "Ab[raha]m Lincoln may be honest, but with our higher convictions of duty we should not descend to his level, but like [St.] John say unto him 'Come up hither.'"