I'm going to give a VERY loose translation. The letter is in classical
Japanese, which makes my head hurt even more than Babelfish.
-----------
(from
http://www.h3.dion.ne.jp/~sally-h/daisukiokita_letter_satou2_1_flame.html)
(Dated Keio 1 (1865), August 4)
The summer heat is still bothering everyone. People are sitting
around doing nothing, but taxes keep coming in-- you know how that can be.
Kyoto is safe for now, but stay alert, because you never
know...we won't spare anyone who causes problems.
Please send my regards to everyone, starting with Sonba-sama
("valuable mother"-- his or Satou's?). I hope that all is well and
that things are peaceful. Please also convey my special regards to Mr.
Ishida Hijikata (Hijikata Toshizou's father-- hence, the "Ishida"
powder, I suppose).
This ends my message.
Keio 1, August 4
(to) Sato Hikogorou-sama
(from) OKITA SOUJI