[Almost no punctuation in the letter, though it's usually pretty clear where sentences begin and end. I added all the paragraph breaks for ease of reading.]South Hadley Falls Sept 16 - 1859
Brother Festus
It is with pleasure that I sit down to address a few lines to you (I suppose you are waiting for me to write to you before you will write a line to me be it so or not) I feel it a privilige [sic] and also a duty to write to all my brothers although they seldom write to me and of some I can say never have.
My Children are usually well except Colds[.] Ellen has been at Easthampton to work in the button shop for a few weeks past - she came home last week being unable to work she is better now. I suppose she will return soon[.] Eugenia keeps house for me[,] Mary works in Carew Co. Papermill and boards at home[.] Everett is in Brattleboro to work at the carriage trimming buisness [sic] he has been there two years last June his time will be out next Feb'y[.] E. Is a pretty smart boy for an Alden he is a tip top workman (so says report) he has not been at home since the time his mother died[.] I received a letter from him a short time since he did not say when he should be at home I think however he will come thank[s]giving if not before.
I must say a word or two about buisness in this vicinity compared to 18 months ago it has livened up a great deal[.] two years ago this month I was thrown out of the job I had had for three years & more so that I had to come home and pick up work where I could find it and I found it pretty poor picking I can tell you[.] I dont think I received as much as I got in six months previous to my leaving. But I have got my job back again Mr Parsons sent word to me last April to come over and see him I went it did not take us five minutes to make a bargain for one year.
But I must draw to a close it is getting late. And I have to start early in the morning and sail across old Connecicutt [sic] before I commence my daily labor so I must bid you good knight [sic] give my best respects to brothers & sisters & all my good friends. And may you & yours ever enjoy the best of heavens gifts is the prayer of your unworthy brother
J. M. Alden
NB Please write as soon as you receive this
J. M. Alden