Advice on living life; no news of the ladies

                                                Wytheville, Va 1844
                                                       November 30th
Mr. George W Gleaves
 
Dear Sir I received a letter from you a few days ago which brought the news that you was well and getting along as well as possible  I am certain there is nothing that could afford more pleasure than such news particularly, to one who has your welfare at heart.  All that I can add to your predetermination is, hold on, be studious & you will reap your harvest at some future day.  let not the wild notions of others, who you think are you friends delude you.  Take at once a desired step have a mind of your own, & because you let conscience dictate to you, and I am sure you will not deviate far from the path of rectitude.  You are Wythe at the age to form your habits you character is also to be formed & recollect as the "Twig is bent the tree recline”  I have no doubt but you will give the proper weight to the above advice. It is true it comes from one inexperienced but when it is true you must believe you requested me to give

you the news particularly I thought abut the Ladies  I must confess that I have none at all for I don't go home often & when I do I don't get to see any of them.  The Cripple Creek Ladies are near my thrill at this time, and I understand they will be in the berg in a few days (if so) probably I can see them Father brought 32 hogs to town & sold them to Col Boyd &  E Walker.  They weighed something like 180. Mr Grayson sold Boyd about 50 [  ] weighed 458.
     Write as soon as you get this & give me the news generally.
                                               Yours truly
                                                SC Gleaves
GWGleaves Esq