Letter from Peter Evans Force to Uncle Manning Force

Gadsden, Alabama
Feb. 12, 1885

My dear Uncle,

There has been a tremendous big snow today. It is mighty near three inches deep. Everything looks white for the first tiem this winter. The pigs and calves don't know what to make of it.

Mr. Hodges, an old gentleman, living near here about eighty years old is about to die. He is an Advent preacher and will leave many friends to mourn his loss. I am lliving about a mile from Mr. Martin now with Mr. Burns. I hope you are all well.

Your affectionate Nephew

Peter E. Force

Translation notes:

Peter Evans Force (1868-1930) is the author of this document. At this point, he has returned to live in Alabama near his mother and her 2nd husband, Peter's step father, Willam Martin. Mr. Hodges is likely Harrison Hodges enumerated in Gadsen & Turkey Town, Etowah County, AL in 1880. There is also a Lon Burns in that area but I have not found Mr. Martin in the 1880 Census for areas near Gadsden.