Richmond, March 24, 1859

Dear James

Little did I expect in writing you my first letter to Rockford to have to give you the sad inteligence of the death of your uncle John.

He died at home suddenly yesterday morning of disease of the heart after having attended Pittsylvania Court on Monday & returning home on horse back Tuesday, and died Wednesday morning about 6 o clock. He was in the yard, felt badly, called a servant to help him back to the house but died in the arms of the servant before he could be gotten in - Truly in the midst of life we are in death & this warns in all to be always ready as I trust he was.

My dear James, prepare whilst you are in health for death for it comes on us when we least think of it - Ma and all the balance of the family are as well as usual & I hope you and your Mothers family are in good health -

Dear James, I have now a wife and five children, my keeping house in this city & would like to see you at my house - or if this be not possible then write me often. I aim to write the above to Sister Ann and remember me and all mine most affectionably to her and the children ny & all of them I would be glad to see.

Truly & affectionably your uncle

James C. Hunt