My dear Mamma

I received your last in due time and was glad to find that you are all enjoying good weather though you say the farm has not turned out very well this year. A pity it is not productive as the farms around this place. Why if a man has a hundred acres of land he is considered independent. Well if nothing can be made out of it I should sell it and put the money in some other kind of business. If I had a thousand Dollars in American Money I know lots of chances of going into business and making money. Smith talks of selling out. He wants 5,000 for his stock. If he does I suppose my occupation will be gone about New Year but I can tell nothing definite as yet and if I cannot find another situation I guess I shall enlist. I can get $6* and * tho war is pretty much wound up, not much chance of a great deal of fighting, I like Newark very much indeed and shall be sorry if I have to leave it. I shall however leave with a good credit so that I can return and see my friends at some future day. I * say the Chippaweans are trying to be gay this winter. How do they make out. Who is the belle of the city this season. ***I suppose he puts on more airs than you can think of. So poor George Keifer is Dead, poor fellow. I am sorry for him. He was getting along so well too. At the time I suppose they feel bad about it out at Thorald. I suppose you know that a new draft is ordered here the first of January and they are pushing forward enlistments in order to get their Quota filled if possible, but I do not think they will manage it. I must close as it is time to shut up. Hoping to year from you soon,

I remain
Your affectionate Son
Donald M. Forbes