[her youngest son, Robert N. Bowden, served as a private in Co. C, 4th NC Cav. (59th NC State Troops)]

Long Creek
June 24th 1863
Gov Vance
Dear Sir
I take my pen in hand for the purpose
of addressing you a few lines to inform you that I have two sons
in the army my oldest 22 and the other 17 years of age and as
my situation is very distressing in the extreme I appeal to you say
and get my youngest son clear and discharge him for I need
him very much at home I have no one to do my buisness
nor to see to any thing for me for I have no one you may judg
that can do any thing in a manner my children at home
are five girls and one boy and Mr Bowden my husband
has been an invalid for the last 7 years and he gets worse
instad of better I have no help at home what ever and if
you would get my child Robert out so that I would
have some one to look up to you would betow an everlas
ting favor on me the reason of my addresseing you on this
subject I thought that you being our Govornor you were the
right one I would be much obiged to you if you would
give me an answer assoon as convenient My son R N
Bowden is a private in capt McIntire 59th comp of cavalry
Yours very respectfully
direct Brugaw post office NewHanover NC
Hester J Bowden