Semperkoff on the road to Odessa

My dear Amanda,

I received your last letters and I am glad to hear that you and the children are in health. I hope you received the money. I am in middling health. The travelling at present is dreadful such desperate roads and so cold and cheerless.

The English Engineer and his wife, a German who are leaving this country promised to call upon you and say they had seen me. When they do so ask them to Lunch and shew them any politeness you can. I will write when I get to my journey's end. I suppose the little stranger may be soon expected, God bless it. Keep a merry Christmas. Kiss Fred and Luranah for me. Best respects to Mademoiselle. I am glad that Simpson is to be with you, it will be less expensive and more comfortable.

Things are very indifferent in this country. The cattle plague has been very bad and trade generally, everything is dear in the extreme. I received a letter from Ira and expected one from Mr. Grist.

God bless you all,

I remain,

Affectionately yours,

Ira

I have been for the last fifteen days unable to leave my room. I took cold and was very ill on the journey and on my arrival here was prostrate. I am now scarcely able to sit up but hope ere this reaches you to be enabled to resume my journey to Odessa. I do not know what the direction will do in the matter I am so much behind my time. I send you twenty pounds through Mr. Ray. I expect to find letters from you in Odessa.

I hope all are well with you. Kiss the children and I wish you all a happy New Year.