Knoxville, Tenn.

August 3, 1866

My Dearest Mother& Eliza,

I have just
reached home from Chattanooga,
one hundred and twelve miles
away. I was called there on
a sicK-call day before
Yesterday-and jumped aboard
the cars and reached the
sicK man just in time to give
him all the sacraments.
Just think of it-a sicK call
112 miles away.-Well I am back
safe and sound and not very
tired. Tomorrow Evening I must
go on horsebacK 26 miles to

baptize two babies. And after
my return I must go by
Rail-Road 132 miles to Bristol
in Virginia to say mass and
preach on next Sunday.-
So as ever I’m hard at
worK in this out of the way
place.- Times here are very
hard. Crops have failed-
there is scarce any money-
Many are suffering great want-
and there the country is
becoming again very troubled-
robberies-murders-riots are
again the order of the day.
I was hoping to get to
St Louis and see you all-
but the Bishop and nearly all
the priests are off North

resting and enjoying themselves-
and I could not very well
leave at present.- I do not
Know when I shall have rest.
I lately sent you a few
brief lines and some pieces
clipped from newspapers.
Did you receive them?-
I am enjoying very good
health. I hope soon to
hear from you. Remember
me to Uncle David & Nannie
and Uncle Thomas-and sending
love I sign myself as ever

Yours in love

A.J. Ryan