Franklin County Arkansas
August the 30th 1858

Dear Brother and Sister[,]

             I drop you a few line to let you know that I am still in the Land of the Living and in Tolerable health[.]  Hoping these may find you all enjoying like Blessings.  My children is well[,] all the friends in the country is well as far as I know[.]  I have the painfull news of the Death of Brother Jacob[.]  He died on the 8th day of this instant[.]  He had a short spell of sickings[.] He was not confined to his Bed but about Four days[.]  I was with him when he departed this Life[.]  He has left his Business Badly unsettled[;] His Estate if wound up Safely would be Worth About $2500[.]  There is a good many bad Notes and Accounts I have administered on the Estate and will wind it up to the best of my Ability[.]  Write to me on the receipt of this[.]  I am very Desirous to hear from you all[.]  Give my love to all your children[.]  John and Hugh sends there best[.]  Love to all there cousins[.]  Our Crops is Tolerable good of corn[.]  Two much Rane for cotton here[.]  The health of our settlement is Tolerable Good at this time[.]  The Doctor said Brother had Typhoid Fever[.]  I will conclude Ever remaining your affectionate Brother Geo. W. Rigney

 To Austin and Elizabeth Hackworths