To:  Joshua and Margaret Barnard Young
       (Little Ivy, Madison County, NC 
From:  Andrew Barnard 
Postmarked  June 21, 1859 at Fort Hembree, NC
       --------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Brother & Sister
        It appears that all kind of communication has ceased between us. The 
distance between our places of residence forbid frequent visits and I must 
acknowledge that I have been neglectful about writing. At the same time I 
don’t recollec that I have ever received a letter from you in my life. I think 
we might be more friendly and change letters at least two or three times a 
year. I should like to visit you but I don’t kno when it can be as it appears 
that my attention is required at home, all the time. It may be measurably a 
habit as many think. I have a first rate chance as Jane and Andrew are still 
with me, and my other children close about. But I find it still necessary to be 
careful and industrious to keep a bountiful supply of the necessarys of life. 
So I am moveing along through time, much after the old fashion, still at great 
loss for my companion but endeavor to submit to the divine will as cheerful 
as possible. We have had tolerable close times about bread in our county 
this summer, but is now relieved as our wheat crops is now in and excellent. 
But we are in great doubt about our oats as they are beginning to take the 
rust. I seen one of the Ammons at our March court which told me he lived 
near you. I sent you word by him that I feaed I should have to sue Curtis for 
the balance of the debt coming from him, but since that he has sold York and 
lifted the two notes that was due, amounting in principal and interest to $226. 
The half of which is subject to your call at any time, the balance will be due 
the 19th of next month, what he will do about it I cant say as he had not said 
anything to me about it. But as soon as it is due I shall urge for pay. So I 
hope that you will both make your arrangements to come and see me this fall and 
I will try and be prepared to settle the whole amount. My self and family are 
in good health, and friends and connections generally so far as I know.

                                                   Yours truly 

                                                   Andrew Barnard