State of Virginia May 13th 1863
Gov Vance Sir
the leter you Sent me for to
take to Col Burgwin [1] was taken away
from me in Casil thunder the maniger of
the house taken every thing I had & when
I come out they wouldent giv it to me
I theirfore ask you if you pleas to Send me
Some relief for I was Sick in the time
of your call for absentees to return So
I returned as Soon as I got able &c they
hav had me under gard ever Since & I think
that I aught to be relievd gov Vance
Send me som relief if you pleas
for they donte hav mutch mercy on a man
here youre obedient Sevant
Jas Burke Privat
Co B 26 Regt. N.C.T