MySource:Mksmith/R. E. Smith letter (1866)

26 November 1866 at St. Joseph, Missouri

Dear Uncle

     You perhaps have received my letter ere this asking you and Uncle Oliver to go on my husbands bail. Uncle he seyes if you can not go on his bail to do something for me. I have had bad luck since I wrote to you. I have had ever cent of my money stole. it was in my trunk it was $150! I don't know what I am to do down here among strangers my husband in jail a childe to take care of and no money. Uncle you don't know how bad I hate to aske you for help but I don't know what else to do. if I had no childe to take care of I could get along but it is getting cuold weather and in a strange place and I think as Uncle Oliver had that money of Charlies he could help me some I dont ask you to give it to me but to lend it to me and I think that no one has any better right to that money than use [us] here. oh Uncle I hope to hear from you soon write and give me your advise what to do whether to come home or stay here. I ask your advise and I hope you will give it. good night

R E Smith

NOTE: The "Uncle Oliver" she refers to is almost certainly Oliver P. Rowles, uncle of her husband, Oliver Smith (and possibly the one for whom he was named). "Charlie" is probably Charles M. Smith, her husband's brother, who had died in the War.