February the 2nd 1863
Dear Sir I Drop you a few
lines to State you my considtion
I want you to advise me I have
Been in the survice as long as
I was able my health is Ruind
the Surgent Sent me home from
the Hospital on a furlough and
the Doctor at home prolonged
my furlough and now they
cant prolong any longer he is
willing to do so I had the
fever and it settled in my
hip and i am a cripple the
Sergent Sais that I was never
able to Stand the campain
and now there is a talk
of them a taking the furlough
me Back and I want you
as a friend to write to me
and give me some advice in
your letter do something for
me if you please I can
certify By the Doctor that I
[page 2]
am not able nor never was
I was allways sickley I am
23 years old and only weigh 97
lbs I am willing to Serve my
Country and Ever has Been so
fare as I am able the Doctors
would <??> let me to go tel the
conscripts went and then they
taken me and they would not
Discharge me they Said for me to
try it a while and I tryid it
and I could not Stand it and
if you will send me Something
to advise me as soon as I get
able I will serve my country
But I could not march one day
now I can certfy this and write
to me immediately and Direct
your letter to marion P.O. Mc-
Dowel CO. to I S whisnant
as I can get it quicker I look
up to you as a man will Do
anything that is in your power
or that is wright and pleas
write soon so I Remain
your obedient friend
From J. P. Whisnant
To Mr – Z. B. Vance gov