Below is the transcription and images.

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167 Glenmary St.,
Jackson, Miss.,
June 12, 1962

My dear Claiborne;

I was so glad to get your letter of May 31. I had wondered many times about you. I have such a desire to know you in the flesh. I do enjoy your letters so much. If we could meet and be together, then our letters could mean more. I was so disappointed that you did not get to the reunion Sunday in May. I had told so many that you’d be there. It was a fine meeting. I preached at 11, then we had so much good food.

I am so glad that Helen is home from the hospital – Just hope that her month’s stay may prove to be helpful. I can sympathize with you. Annie was sick so long and had to be in hospital. She died in the hospital – Oct. 26, '43.

I was not a strong boy, and have never been very strong. Yet I sometimes wonder how one human is to do all that I have. The double work – teaching and preaching, was too much for a person to do. Yet I have had such a happy life, and am still happy.

I had my home – a nice one – paid for before she died, and I have enjoyed it. My children are so good to me. My grandson is at finished junior year at Ole Miss. with honors this year. He had another honor, being selected to spend the summer in Green Bank, W. Va. He is a good boy. Doesn’t smoke, curse, or drink. He is fine looking. 6’1’’ in. around 200 pounds. Annie Harris is 15 – makes high marks. My son lives near me, but has no children. So my line of Halls stops.

I preached at Camden Sunday. John Jr. has one of two cars in W.Va. but Annie Harris drives, so am hoping to get to Lumberton, Picayune, and Slidell some time this summer.

I have never been a good sleeper. I love to go, if I can get back to my bed at night.

Of course you are a week or two earlier with vegetation, but I am so proud of my garden. I won’t let anyone do anything in it. I break the ground with my shovel and fork. Get the fertilizer and plant the seed and do the work. To give an idea of what this 88 year boy has done. I have stuck 225 butterbean poles. I planted about 25 hills of watermelons – Gathered nearly every one. I planted corn on my corn rows and planted corn where tiny peas had been. Been eating, giving away and putting snap beans in my deep freezer. I raise, snap and

give them in deep freezer. Eating squash – lots of little cucumbers – beets, turnips mustard, lettuce, hot and bell peppers. Will have corn in a few days and I hope to have it until fall. I never get lonesome. Always something to do. My children think that I could be an invalid in a short time, but I have no time. I play with my hands in the morning. I play with Friday nights. I love it and am good player. I had six pig huts. Had so many last year. But they were killed by cold and wet winter. I was sad to see them go. This new sprout is growing fast. Wild plum trees and plums. I know you are saying “Oh happy.” Don’t take my word, come to see me; and I’ll feed and sleep you. I’ll hush now. Write.

I am ??? ???? – (???) dish washer machine.

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