My dear John

I have received, after some delay by mail
your very satisfactory letter of the 16th–I received at the
same time one from you Mother of about the same
date in which she requested me to write to meet
her in Richmond about this time–which I have done
by the last mail–I also heard of your going to
Richmond with your sisters–I hope this will meet you
on your return—

I appreciated your solicitude about me–and know how
the hearts of all must be tried at home by our long and
cruel separation–But these are times in which we
must make up our minds to bear bravely the severe
trials we are called upon to endure–and may God help
us to do so! So far, however, I have not actually suffered
in camp–and am doubtless now comfortable than
many– one thing however these unhappy times should
teach all–that there is no earthly [?] as hope that
may not fail us–and that a prayerful trust in
God is the only unfailing stay & support of the immortal

[page 2]
spirit under whatever costly trials & misfortunes–
and may we all my dear John seek and find that
support which will serve us in the present con=
test and strengthen our hopes of final triumph over
enemies in the cause of all that is near and dear
to the human heart!

In regard matters of business–The same list of
property given to the County Commissioners of the Revenue
had better be made the basis of the list to be
tendered to the Confederate Commissioners–If there
are any subjects or articles of taxation not in the first
list-You can obtain them from such lists of property
as we have–I think it would be well to advise
with Mr Finny & to get Ed Carrington to aid yo
in making out the list of property–so as not to
fail to tender it by the time required by law–

I will mention that the Packer[?] debt has been reduced
to $35000.00 by payments made. That a bond of some
$3500 of N.F. Cabell “is out of date” & therefore of no legal
obligation–should not therefore be estimated as property–
as it has been in fact partially given up by allowing it

[page 3]
to get out of date without renewall or security–

I have written to Thos S. Deane (Deane & S Jones)to
aid you in procuring a supply of salt sufficient to salt
the pork upon the two places & if possible to avoid the
extortionate prices charged–I see that in Lynchburg
some parties advertise to [?] it at $350 per sack
and I have requested Deane & S Jones to assist you
in procuring either from Lynchburg or [?] [?]
quantity of salt you may find will be necessary to
avoid the loss of our pork–& [?] the best terms
they can procure it–It is possible too you may pur-
chase it yourself upon better terms than any one can as well
for you— Mr. Deane advises that the tobacco be
kept on the plantation for the present–which had
better be done—-

Tell Mr Talbott that he should endeavour to sell as
much corn- hay-&c as possible–by sending the same to Rich-
mond–as the prices there may justify-

Keep an eye yourself upon the [?] accounts and
receive all cash from time to time paid into the [?]
and pay it over to your mother—

[page 4]
These and all other things you will have to look after–
Keep the mechanics employed quarrying stone–getting [?]
building &c &c–just as you may direct–either on your
place or Belmead–

Write to me fully and often and tell me all about
the dear ones at home I ask that the girls will also
write [?] I may not be able to reply regularly to
all their letters–With love to all–I remain my
dear John
Yr affectionate father
Philip St Geo Cocke

Sterling & Tyler are well– My regards to the servants.

MSS 640
[to be continued]