[The Downs family lived in the Chocowinty section of Beaufort County. At the time of the 1860 Census, Fred Downs was listed as a 51-year old planter. His wife, Tabuna, was also 51. Their son, Britton E. Downs served in the 17th NC Inf. (1st organization) and later as a private in Co. K, 1st NC Art. Britton E. Downs transferred to the Confederate Navy on July 19, 1863 and deserted on October 26, 1863.]

State of N C Carolina Bauford C April
21 1863 G Vance Der Ser I write
this time to in you of dis tress that I in
I have Sick am confind my room fore
More than to years able live my room
I have no wone to do eny thing only Son
Britton E Downs my daughter
My Son Volen teer in Cp Whitford potal
an though that he wold be wher he
Come home See me help his women While then
Sa <?>nant Bee her Son come 19 of this him to
Gener Hill Army I dont Wher Carry him
Now I Wish Wlod give him dis Charge
An let hime come help his sitter
For if he cant come home I must seffer fore
It as muth my doughter can do to do her
House bis nes an tend me in my Sercan
Stance I have no eveen git me bred eat if come
get dischards pleas excus ritten
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to you for Suffere men an dis me to rite you
Am afficked Widder Womman and my
Health ant ver good he serve ten months in
Seervis an if you will discharg him
Muth oblige me an hop god blas an you
Bothe in life and life come pleas her here
So an dis chard my son and rite me
An you dercet your leter in the care
Of Carnal Corron I Shuld get it I your
frend Towana Downs

[This letter appears to have been written for Tabuna Downs by someone else.