Washington, D.C. Oct. 25, 1862. My Dear Daughter,

I recd. your letter yesterday, which is dated on the 9th but Post-marked on the 18th of this month—the first I have recd. from you since the one you wrote from Pittsburgh, having written to you several times, and also to Brother James from whom I have got no letter at all since we parted in Cincinnati Ohio.

I am truly glad to hear that you are well. You must be a good girl and do as your Uncle and Aunt direct without repining, or manifesting any dissatisfaction, but cheerfully and kindly obey them. You ought to be at school, but the war in Ky. has prevented it and I suppose prevented my letters from reaching you and your Uncle. Now I presume the war is over there for the present and this letter will reach you safely. It is my intention to put you to school somewhere, but have not determined where.

I hope I will not be detained here much longer, As Secretary Smith has returned, after an absence of six weeks. During his absence, the Assistant Secretary, Usher, who was the acting secretary, in his absence, decided the Council Grove case against me, overruling both the Decision of the Commissioner Of Indian Affairs, and Sec[.] Smith’s former decision. On yesterday however Secretary Smith himself overruled Usher and set his decision aside and will now go on and decide it finally himself. I now have no doubts of final success. The only difficulty now is to prevent delay. But Sec. Smith says he will decide it in a few days.

I never was so anxious to get home in my life, but the amount involved is so great, more than most men make in a whole life time, that I cannot think of leaving it, for if I did I know advantage would be taken of me and I would loose it all. So you see that I have no other motive but to hold on until it is finally settled. Had I supposed that I would have been detained here so long, I would have been tempted to leave it long ago. But having remained so long I must now see it out. You must be contended until I come.

We cannot do as we wish these war times. We must do the best we can. I know that your Uncle and Aunt will do right by you, and think that you are fortunately situated. Your Ma writes me that Quantrell and his band took all our horses but old Ned- but Bill’s pony escaped and came home. That a week after the Confederates came into Town[,] established their headquarters there, inquiring for me, swore I was with Quantrill--was in Town next day rejoicing over the Confederate victory— would not believe I was in Washington—searched every where for me--cursed the whole family— [[MS. illegible]] and took the two large mules[,] all the oats[,] about ten acres in [[MS. illegible]]—all the hay[,] 35 or 40 tons[,] all the old corn[,] about 1000 bushels—all the peaches[,] apples[,] grapes, sweet and irish potatoes[,] cabbage—and all the other vegetables in the garden.

They told her to get 4 or 5 Union men to certify to my loyalty and business at Washington and they would pay for all damages. This she did[.] she got Waldo, Wm & John McCoy, [Rt?] McClanahan, [Reub.?] Wallace[,] Gen. Lucas, Bill Crenshaw, Wm. Peacock, Mr. Hardesty and others but all did no good. They even refused to give a [[MS. illegible]] for what they took. I doubt not that I will make him smoke for it and get pay also, as I am here intimate with the authorities here.

I send her all the money she wants and I suppose she can [[ ] ] live until I return. I have written to Thomas L. Price, our member in Congress, and a good friend on the subject. Venitia is still held a prisoner. Gen. Thomas L. Price, I think will have her released.

I send you a book by mail which I want you to read and study thoroughly. I also send you $20. Am unwilling to risk more by mail, don’t spend it foolishly. Your Uncle I know will get you all you actually need, until I come.

Yours very affectionately, Jacob Hall

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