Lebanon Ala
Oct the 11th 1868

Miss Lizzi Hackworth,

             Dear cousin, it is with great pleasure that I take this opportunity of writing to you, though I scarcely know how to address you.  I believe I have written to you since I received the last letter from you, but fearing that you have not received it, I write again.

             We are all well at present.  There is no news of interest in these parts.  There has been some excitement with regard to the Presidential election.  One Radical meeting and several Democratic meeting have been held in this county.  I have attended but one which was held a Lebanon.  We had there very eloquent speeches delivered on that occasion besides one radical that was permitted to speak.  As to the politics of this country we are mostly democratic, but enough on that Subject.  We got a letter from sister Martha a few week back; she & her husband are well.  Have not heard from brother William in some time, he was well when we heard from him last. 

             Cousin I have been going to school most of my time since crops were laid by, but have quit school to gather corn and some wheat.  We had a very nice school most of the session; but it is small at this time, and will be out in three week.  Cousin my school days are rapidly drawing to a close[.]  I’ve begun commenced the study of Surveying & will complete it & Latin either in school or at home.  After that I will doubtless cease my school career.  But when I think of quiting school and launching out in the great field of action, I feel that I desire greater preparation.

             But time is rapidly fleeting by, and what we do, we must do quickly.  Dear cousin I’ve been looking with anxious expectation for you & cousin W^m this fall & summer but although your last letter was somewhat discouraging on that subject.  With regard to myself or any of the family visiting that country I am unable to give you any correct idea this time.  I may possibly go up there this winter, but I don’t think it is probable that I will.  Brother & sister aimed to go up this fall, but have given it out.  We should be thankful to Almighty God (that though we are not situate so as to visit each other as we would like), that we are blessed with even the privilege of communicating our thoughts to each other through the medium of pen.  It is always a great consolation to me to write to my kindred & more essecialy to receive letters from those with whom I’ve formed so great attachments.  But times have been so urgent with me for the last few months that I could scarcely get time to write to any one.  Well we have had several wedding in this county and when I see my old schoolmates all marrying I sometimes think I had better marry, but after proper consideration, I think I’d better wait for an opportunity first.  Well cousin it is getting dark I must close.  Write soon and give me all the news in general.  What is cousin doing & how is he getting along?  Are his girls single yet?  Give them my best respects.  Also my respects to all my connection.  Write soon.

 Your true cousin  H. B. Williams