Mattoon Letter : December 4, 1861

The letter seems to be initialed "M A M," which is most likely Mary Amelia Mattoon, Gershom's sister. Mary mainly updates Gershom on her life and the family, taking care to stress that many people miss him since his enlistment in the military the previous month. Mary tells him to get a pass from an officer when he comes home and warns him about drinking river water.