Eugene Gauss - 1865-02-03

St. Charles Mo
Jany 4th, 1865

My dear Son
               It is nearly two weeks since we last heard from you, and we are beginning to feel rather uneasy lest there should be something the matter with you.  Myself and Theodore wrote to you some two or three weeks ago, and I believe Aunt Gee and possibly some of the rest of the children have written also.
Mother sent you a box of cakes during Christmass week, but the state of the river prevented the Express company from crossing for several days after.
Roberts school had been broken up, and I have sent him and Theodore to the college at this place.  I think, it is a better school, than I had expected it to be.
            Seadan has left our office, and on the whole I am glad to be rid of him.  I have not yet succeeded in getting another man.  Mr Redmon will probably go to Chicago soon, and if I do not succeed in hiring another clerk before that time, I will have my hands full.
            Your mother is very busy just now with our Pork.  We have killed five and bought five more hogs, which I hope will give us meat enough for next summer.  I expect, it will be terribly high next year.
            I was in St. Louis about two weeks ago, and left your uncles family all well.  Your cousin Charles left for the East last Monday, and expects to see you before his return.
                Write soon         Your affectionate father.

E. Gauss