Transcript of the entire letter:

Nov 15th, 1863
Esteemed Son,
                I take the present opportunity to scribble a few lines to let you know we are all in usual health at this time, hoping these few lines may find you in good health and strength and all the necessaries of life to render you comfortable.
                I was down to Stephen's on yesterday, he had just received a letter from you written on the 10th.  It stated that you had not heard from home since you left.  Stephen has written two letters to you and has received three letters from you.  The reason we have not written we have been anxiously waiting to get some intelligence from you, but sought in vain; and I suppose you have been in the same fix.  So we must let this suffice and try to do better in the time to come.
                I must let you know what we have been doing since you left.  We have been picking apples, making cider, husking corn, hauling coal, and planting out some fruit trees.  This we ought to have done twenty years sooner; and by this time, we might be eating the fruit.  But I suppose there will be somebody here after we are gone.
                Uncle William Ward departed this life on last Sunday morning and was buried on Monday, and a very cold day it was.  I was down to the funeral.  He was buried at Howe's Old Church.  Mellissa Ward has very poor health at this time.  Dr. Keys departed this life on last Wednesday evening and was buried in the Free Mason Order, I have been told.  I was not there.
                George has been summoned to court to give evidence in the Stephen Beaty case on next Tuesday morning.  I have also been summoned to court on tomorrow week to give evidence in the Weaver and T. Crawford Cases.
                You stated in your letter to Stephen that you were down to New Creek with the mail.  I think that you are meddling in dangerous business.  I think that you should go strong handed and keep a sharp lookout for Bush Whackers.
                So now I must bring my scribble to a close as my sheet is nearly filled up.  So I bid you farewell.  For this time, may God protect and keep you safe.
                                                                                                Geo. Hill
P.S. Remember me to Westly and all inquiring friends.
                                                                                                G.H.