Transcribe Ward, Henry Augustus. Letter to Ward, Elizabeth D. (1854-12-30)

{On the Nile} Dec, 30th, 1854 My dear Sister Elisabeth. I am almost as honored to take my pen at this late day to write you a letter which I promised so long since. But the truth is & that until I left Paris I could find nothing for anything, although I fully intend to write before. I now fro I expected to write you on the mediterranean a great long letter, but (sad to say!) I had the chicken pox all the passage I now have a little time, before arriving at Cains, & hasten to improve it. I have before me yours of Nov. 2 I which to absolutely dread to rereas because it os written criss-cross, a mounth since, so that you doubtless know ere this why I am in Africa. I have written to mother, within a few days, a little about my trip, but have forgotten what the letter is now under two seats.