July 17, 1862, My Dear Sister, Cumberland Md, I take my pen in hand to drop you a few lines we arrived here safe on monday evening at ten oclock, I like this place as much as I have seen of it. Hervey and me were out riding the other evening it is a very pretty country here and nice roads to ride on we are boarding at the St Nicklas hotel. Gen. Kelly and his family are boarding here except John. There are a great many troops here but no war news that I can here of. Fanny is very good and little trouble I will write a longer letter the next time when I have seen more of the city give my love to the children and all the rest - your officiant, Sister Mary Hervey
