1864
Harrisburg March 21
My dear Clara,

I am glad to see that you have written to Miss Annie Hays at last. Every Sunday she would say, when did you hear from Clara, and why don't she answer my letter. She said I should send you her love, and she would write very very soon. I wish you would ask Bella Briggs if I owe her a letter, or she owes me one. Dollie Warford is home for ten days to get her spring clothes. Bertie Ross, and Jennie Curtin come home this week. Last Friday night Mary Kerr was at our house, and Mr. Kethum [sic] and George Gross came in and we all went around to Alice Frazor's and then as it was a beautiful night we took a walk. Sunday night a week Alek Thompson took Mary Kerr and Sam Matlack took me to Children's Church, and then we went out to the Bethel Church to see them Baptised. Last Thursday evening Mr. Ketchum, Sam Matlack, Alek Thompson and Ed Hickok were at our house, when Pa came in with the news that [undecipherable] was coming home. You can know how glad we all were that night he came. He has told us perfectly dreadful things that they had to bear. Sadie and the baby are going West with him on Thursday. Nate Forster is home for three weeks vacation. Last night (Sunday), we had a very good preacher & like him very much. Alek Thompson brought Mary Kerr home, and Sam myself. Tomorrow night there is to be a Concert at the Court House. We are all going. George Gross is going to take Hattie Bird, Wills Orth [took] Jennie Boas, Mr. Ketchum [took] Sid, Alek Thompson [took] Mary Kerr, and Sam Matlack [took] myself. I think Russell King is going to take Alice and Eliza, though I am not sure. I do not know who will take the Cox's. I am very much afraid the ----- about our fuss with the boys, was told to you, so you might think it was more than it really was. It has all been settled very nicely by the young men themselves. I have a great deal to tell you that would take so much time and paper to write, somethings that you will be very much surprised and sorry to hear. This last is private. I have had some Photographs taken, she ---- and we had one for you [that] will be done on [undecipherable], and I will send you one in my next letter. [Undecipherable] as soon as you [undecipherable] oblige me very much. Give my love to all the girls. The girls write with me in sending much love to you. Write soon. From your loving friend.

Rachel Pollock.

[In columns:]
(On first page) & I am most-ashamed to send this letter it is written so dreadfully, but I hope you will excuse it.
R.
(On last page) I wish you would send me a better Photograph of yourself as soon as possible.