[Newell enlisted as a private in Co. H, 35th NC Inf. on September 11, 1861 at age 51. His service records indicate he was discharged on February 15, 1863 for reasons not reported.]

March 16th 1863
raligh N C
Mr Z B vanc guvner
kine sir I think it
My Duty to inform
you ov my Condishion
I hav Bin in Survis
the rise of twelve mownths [the rise of = more than]
and I gwt woonded at the
fite of Malvun hill
witch Disables from
dwty and my oferces
has Sent mee to the hos
pittel and I thot I
wold Drop you A few
lines to in form yow
that I Can make Shoos
plese your oner to pwt
mee in A Shoo Shop
I will doo my Cwn
try more good ther than
eny wher elce I will
send you the paper that
was riten and send By
My nabers the Dr
[page 2]
sase I am no servis in
the armey as I am Dis
aBled from walking I
wold rether Bee working
in the Shop for my
Cwntry than Being expo
sid to so meny De seses
in the hospittal
W A Newell