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Letter to Mr. Hoquett with Postscript to Wife

Verona, Miss Oct. 18, 1864

Mr. Hoquett kind friend-

I avail myself of the opportunity I find of sending a few lines through to Jackson by Luit Potter of Morton’s Battery. I presume you have heard from Arnold that he left me sick at this place about the middle of last month expecting that I would be able to travel in a few days. This will inform you that I was taken worse the day Arnold left and have been in bed with the typhoid fever ever since until the last 4 or 5 days. Have been mending so that I am able to get up and walk about a little, though, the doctor is still attending on me. My appetite craves more than I am allowed to eat-consequently I believe that I am mending tolerably fast. Hope that I will be able to start toward Jackson in a few days. Am fearful that I will start too soon and get laid up again.

Hope these few lines will find all well. Will you plese read and hand……………… to the Jones or my wife or my son saying for them to believe that I am getting better and likely to get well.

Yours, J. H. Bell

Dear wife, excuse me for not writing to you as I am able to write but very little at present.  Joe

Private J. H. Bell of Capt. Jackson’s Company of Maj. Gen. Forest’s Escort being unable to travel has permission to stop at a private house until he is able to travel. At that time he will report to his command without delay.
Signature: A. W. Jones
Verona, Miss

Maj. Gen. Forest’s Escort
Sept 16, 1864

Reached home in November, had a relapse and did not return for more than a year. Joseph H. Bell ………. home from war sick with typhoid fever in the winter of 1864 and was never able enough to go back. He relapsed and lay sick at the home of Bird S. Jones for many weeks until July 1865. We both helped to wait on him during his illness
Signature: Mrs. Amanda Wainwright
Mis R. L. Evans
State of Tennessee County of Crockett

Personally appeared before me, G. T. Lewis, a notary public to and for said county, the above signed Mesdames R. L. Evans and Amanda Wainwright who make oath that the above statements are true and correct.
Signature: G.T. Lewis