[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.]So. H. Falls May - 23 - 1886
My dear Friends
Is there such a place as Greenwich and is there any of my friends risiding [sic] there at the present time[?] I am sure there was at one time say some 59 or 60 years ago. When I left for a voige [sic] of 3 1/2 yrs one thing is certain (If G is still there) that I have but a very few friends left of those that were there at that time[.] But I think G is there yet and I have some friends living there and I should very much [like] to hear from them. Therefore I take this course to ascertain the fact I have not heard directly from G for a long time[.] I posted a card to Bro F in (the winter) to Orange I don't know as he ever got it[.] It was never answered[.] I did think (if he received it) he would have answered it before this.
We are all well as usual[.] I have been very well through the past winter also this spring I went to work the 12 of April for Mr Barney in Waggon Shop (the plan where I was at work when my drain gave out) one year ago have wored every day since (Sundys [sic] excepted) It is very hard work that I have to do. Working hard wood altogether repairing old waggons & carts making some new waggons by the way a great deal of it is dirty work. I get very tired when night comes. Wife thinks it is wonderful how my strength holds out. She says the good care she takes of me has a good deal to do with it. I tell you Bro F that the men are scarce that work 10 hours a day, day after day & week after week that are almost 76 yrs old.
But I must close this epistle very soon[.] We expect Irving & Ida every minute. They come over to see us, most every week Sunday Evenings. Everett came up Friday you saw in the union if you take it a few weeks since he got is discharge - he has the offer of another job in Torrington Conn, in Post Office[.] I suppose he went down there Saturday[.] He expects to be gone 5 or 6 weeks and if all parties are suited he will probably move his family[.] I am glad he got discharged I felt sorry at the time, but I think it is all for best his life was more or less exposed every mile he rode in that Carr[.] If our lives are more unsafe in one plan than another[.] It is in the Express Carr running at 35 or 40 miles an hour.
I hope to get an answer to this epistle if G is still there and my friends also. I'll direct to Festus Alden Esq[.]
Love from all to all
J. M. Alden