South Carolina Laurens District
October 22nd, 1851

To: Thos. Shanley and Wife
Lancaster, P.O. Grant County
Wisconsin

Dear Brother,
I have taken up my pen to answer your letter which I received about a week ago and which suprized me very much to hear that you were yet living after having not heard from you for 20 years. We were glad to hear that you were in the land of the living, and all enjoying good health and I have the pleasure of saying that we are all well at this time. My own health is not always good. I am troubled at times with pains, and also am at times almost blind from something like cateract on my eyes, but can still go about. My wife's health is pretty good for a person of her age. We have 7 children living, three of them married. Wesley, Martha and Elizabeth married; Willis, Malissa, Manerva and Amanda not married. Our son John died a few years ago, about 15 years old, and our youngest daughter is now about 14 years. Uncle Jack Cook is dead and some of his sons. We want you to answer this letter and let us know about your family, where you have lived since we heard from you, and what sort of country you live in now. We would be glad to see you once more if you could come to this country. If you receive this letter and will ask any questions through another we can give you information about friends or country that you may desire. Direct your letter to Mt. Galagher P.O. Laurens District, South Carolina. We will come to a close by saying that we remain your affectionate Brother and sister.
Thomas and Anna Washington