[Boyett’s age is recorded as 14 in the 1860 Census. His age was reported as 15 at the time of his enlistment on March 17, 1862. He was wounded in the hand at Col Harbor on June 1, 1864, returned to duty, and paroled at Goldsboro on May 8, 1865.]

Camp 51 Regt N.C.T.
Near Kennans ville N.C.
June the 8 1863

Governor Sir
I have the honor of
addresing you this eavning on the theme
of Being in sevis to wich I was persuad
ed By my officers to enlist under them
I am not yet eighteen years of age
& I have Bin in Servis since
March the 17. 1862
& I heare that any one under the age of
18 can get clare if they have there Rights
& By the Request of my Father I
now have the pleasure of informing you
of it & I hope that you will Respond
to it soon it is not on the account
of my Patrotism that I wish to go home
But I wish to have my Rights if
they are to be had & I here that they
are My age is 16.10. 24. Born Aug the
10, 1847. You can address me at
Kennansville N.C. Co. B, 51.Regt.N,C,T,
[page 2]
Ceare of Capt [????]
Nothing more at present
Respectfully yours

Private John A. Boyett
I am son of A, A, Boyett
To Govenor Z, B, Vance

John A Boyett Private
Co. B 51st Regt
N.C.T.
Address me soon yours
respectfuly R.M