Fayetteville July 1st /63
His Excelancy Govr
Z B Vance
Sir
I have two Sons in
the service in the 56th Regt Compy
B Capt F N Roberts James H aged
17 years John R B Walker aged 21
years both in feeble health the
Oldest one is suffering from a
Pulmonary affection and cannot
rest day or night from Cough
I saw him at Goldsbor at the
Hospital when he was taken
and marched to Virga by order of
the Capt against as I understood
the Surgeons consent Two weeks
ago to morrow I have not heard
from him since my eldest has been
in the sevice near 3 years & the
youngest Two years they where never
healthy and are now very feeble
both of them are failing the eldest
Jno R B Walker has the Consumption
as the Doctors at General Hospital
will inform you
I am a Widow dependant on
my two sons I now have no help
[page 2]
And would desire to have
them discharged from the Service
as the Capt will I think satis
=fy you of their failing health
or if the could be detailed
to the Confed St arsanel here
It is certain that my eldest
Son taken from the Hospital can
not in human probability stand
it much longer
It is with much regret
I address you but the Anxiety
of a helpless Mother is my
appolagy Hoping that you
will relieve me in your
power
I Remain with due Respect &c
Mary A. Walker
PS I inclose postage stamp and shall
anxiously wait to here from you