The transcription is below, along with the original images.

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707 Glencamp St.

Jackson, Miss.

Dec. 25, 1964

My dear Claiborne,

Please accept my thanks for the nice useful present. I am trying it out (glass magnifying glass) on pen and paper. I wondered where it came, but in turn away of putting presents that came through the mail under the tree and open on my Christmas, my curiosity was not satisfied until today. Santa has been so good to us. We had such a pretty big cedar tree, and Connie & Harris decorated it beautifully, and it had many nice presents for us under it. How I appreciate my kin and friends. The days I have been enjoying my greetings, any which form to fifty callers, and how I have enjoyed reading and answering them. Ed Worthy sent me a pretty one.

I do hope that Helen has gotten along better and that she has not had to go back.

to the hospital. One of your cousins died of heart Monday and buried yesterday. The weather was so bad I thought best not to go to the funeral. She was on third cousin, Ben was no at the reunion. She was Pettel Steward, Sam Steward’s daughter, Mississipi Parish Steward, her mother was Belinda Hall. Belinda was my father’s half sister and my mother’s niece. Remember my grandfather married my mother’s sister. Father and son were brother in laws. Brought my grandchildren, my son and wife was with us for such elegant dinner. We had an 18 lb. turkey, and didn’t eat a third of it. Santa was big good to me, but how I do appreciate everything.

This is the first time that I have tried to use one of your pens. I’ll have so many thanks to write, I’ll end my letter. Wish you were here for Xmas dinner when Mrs. Brock Bryant’s sisters of Louisiana will spend the day. I can be with them so I can visit you.

Bye. Gus

Again thanks

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