Independence Dear Brother Bill

I thought I would write a few lines to you to let you know how matters and things are in this part of the world. In the first place, times are very hard[,] nothing a doing and likely to remain so. Missouri is about gone I guess, and I have no doubt the whole of the South will secede. This is the strongest secession town and county in Missouri. The secession flag waves over this town and Kansas City. On Friday night the men from here went over to Liberty (about 6 miles from here) and seized the State Arsenal . They are bringing the arms in town, there was 16 cannon and [ ] 1300 stand of arms[.] Word has reached here, that Lincoln has ordered to troops down from Ft. Leavenworth to retake it--great excitement, all the people are leaving here that are for the Union that can get away[.] if I could get away from here I would go in a minute, but there is no chance. I cant sell or trade off my property. I would sell it for half what it cost me, if I could, God only knows what these times are coming too. if I could raise a team I would start from here tomorrow[.] property is not worth anything. [[ ] ] a friend of mine started for Iowa this morning. he wanted me to go with him very much. but no go, I expect I shall have to stop here and see it out, as there is no other way.

Write soon as you can[,] the postmaster is a seceder, and I expect the mail will soon be stopped here. They wont let the new Postmaster have the office (one appointed by Lincoln)[.]

Yours truly Calvin

P.S. (excuse this short letter)

[ ]
Dear sister Gusta.

I thought I would write a few lines to you while I had the chance[.] I don’t know that you will hear from me again. I wish that we was in a free state. We are all well[.] Ida is as wide awake as she can be[,] a full of [[MS. illegible]]. she says every thing that she hears any one else say[.] she says that she is Grandpa’s rascal[.] she thinks a great deal of him. She is bothering Amelia now[.] I wish that I could see you and all your little ones. I feel rather bad on account of the times but I hope that it will be all right yet. I long to see you all Eastern friends again. give my love to all the folks, Tell Cretia I will try to write to her before we secede[.] write soon as you can for I love to hear from you[.]

Good night