Uncas McCluer - 1865-04-24

Harvest Home    dec 13th, 1864

                    Henry, I got your letter last Saturday in which you said give you the news in return.  The feds made a draft in Mo, my Father was drafted and others with whom we are acquainted.  But the quota having been filled by negros Pressed in to the Service, none will be taken.  The weather for the past week has been very Cold.  A great many People are leaving Missouri on account of the War, Your Father says if Father will move away to California He will go along  I think it will be a slow go.  Since you were here we have had more troops passing through than ever we had before, the most insulting and hardest to bear were the negros.  One Company Stationed at the R. Road Bridge were allowed to treat the People as they choose  Stealing and plundering houses and thretening [sic] every thing that barbarous and Inhuman beings could think of.  They came to Our house but did not come in took two or three horses and riging [sic] to fit them out for the military.  I hope Abe Lincoln may see the time when he will have to bow to every Negro he meets/.  You are tire looking such a scratch   answer me soon let us know how you are coming on, we are all well at present

Your Friend & Cousin
Curtis McCluer