[Covington, Kentucky, is just across the Ohio river from Cincinnati.]

Covington, Ky.
11th March 1860

Dear Alexander

In the commencement of this year I received a letter from my aunt and it put me so much in remembrance of old times and faces that I determined to write you the first opportunity. Her letter has the first news I have had of you for years and I was pleased to learn that you were married and comfortably settled. I am still a bachelor pursuing the even tenor of my way, endeavoring to heap up riches but knowing not where to gather them, at least such is my experience after over 7 years in the United States.

You may be somewhat surprised the business I am now in, but since I have been in Yankeeland I have had a try at 2 or 3 different things. I enclose a circular we're just issuing to country druggists. Henry and I live together in Covington, though I do business in Cincinnati. Hal is in the drug business in Covington in partnership with an Englishman - the firm is Bird & Manfred. I enclose one of their labels and our circulars. Your mother has doubtless told you of the many changes that have taken place in the family, Henry and I being the only ones that are left except my sisters Annie & Carrie.

I have been living in Cincinnati & engaged in my present business now about 3 years, but do not find it a very grand El Dorado, and I think I shall have to try some other diggings when my partnership expires which it does on the 1st of August next. I have lived in New York city over 4 years. Had a very pleasant time of it.

How is your brother Walter? You will please present our cordial remembrances from my brother and myself; your mother says he is married too. I trust happily.

When time and inclination prompt, it would afford me much pleasure to hear from you & give an a/c of your doings since you have been in the Golden State - what you are now engaged in, - your views of California and also what your brother Walter is up to; all these matters we take a deep interest in.

Nathan Barlow I suppose you are aware followed me out to this country - he recently returned to England to see after some property. I had a letter in the beginning of the year from him from London. He does not seem to feel at home there now & will return as soon as possible to Boston, Mass. & get married to a regular Yankee girl in the state of Maine. Alfred Barlow is in the neighbourhood of London but does not seem to be doing much for himself. The Jacquard business seems to have fallen through.

Our relatives in Australia we hear little about but they seem to be making a living - that's all - in Africa d[itt]o - in America d[itt]o - at least as regards those on the east side of the rocky Mountains. Write me a good long letter like a good fellow.

I have joined the I. O. O. F.s since I have been in America. I take a good deal of interest in the order. I suppose you muster quite strong in California. Are you a member? Henry belongs to them. I must conclude. Henry joins me, kind regards & best wishes for your happiness & welfare.

Believe me

Your affectionate cousin

Charles Manfred

You had better address letters for me to Charles Manfred, care of Dr. H. Manfred, Covington, Ky.