City Point, Va, Jan. 11th 1865.
Dear Julia,
I have just rec’d a letter from Jones saying he had sent you $475 00 This however includes the gold which I do not want you to spend. If it is necessary for you to have more money I will try to send it. I have received a letter from Jim. Casey saying that $1400 00 back taxes are due on your fathers place and unless paid this month the place will be sold. Now I cannot afford to send $1400 there and get no return for it. I know if I pay up the taxes it will be the last I shall ever see of the money. Looking to my own interest in the matter I wrote to Ford to attend to the matter for me and to let the farm be sold for taxes and him to buy it in in my name. I at the same time arranged for borrowing the money to send to him. A tax title amounts to no title atall but it is good until the money paid is refunded. If I can I will force John to make Nelly and Emma deeds to their land and probably to Fred. also.
I receive all your letters. Some of them are rather cross.—Love and kisses for you and the children.
ULYS.