Portland [Oregon]
November 6th 1859
Dear Abby,
I received thy letter of September 22nd today and was glad to hear from thee again. Thee commences thy letter by scolding me for not writing and I see that thee has received my letter before thee closes thine. I began to think it was strange that thee had not received my last letter for I knew I had answered all of thine. But we can’t be accountable for the delays in the mails. These things are to be looked for at times and can’t be helped.
I would like very well to be at home and help you eat those grapes but we have very fine grapes here that is raised down in California — the finest grapes that I have eaten. And we have as fine pears, peaches, plums, and apples as ever was raised in any country. We have plenty of them this fall.
I think it is more than probable that if thee looks for me to be home by next Christmas, that thee will very much disappointed — at least if I should be there, it would disappoint me very much for I can’t see how I could possibly be there although I should like very much to go home. When I come, I shall endeavor to bring a collection of shells if I can get them.
I think thee is improving in thy writing very much. I still hope to see thee improve more by the next letter. As I have some more letters to write for this mail, I must close with my love to all the family and them kisses for the little ones and to grandfather.
With my love to thee, I remain thy Uncle, — J. P. Hughes
To Abby H. Wilkins, Richmond [Indiana]
The John Hughes Collection 