[Thomas was wounded in the head at Chancellorsville on May 4, 1863. He died in a hospital at Tarboro, NC on January 12, 1864 of a gunshot wound (place and date of wound not reported)]

Wilson PO N C July the 23 day 1863
the Gov of N C Dear Sir I want
you to permit me to go to the
17 Regt of N C troops if you pleas
I have bin in Survice 12 Months
the 15 of this Month I am A
conscript the Regt I have bin in
is the 21 Regt Co G I noed no
no body in the 21 Regt when I was
sent to it I have got one Brother in
the 17 Regt Co K the Capt in
Co K wants me and if you pleas
let me go to Capt Wiswall
Co K I am not vary far from
from the Regt at this time I am in
the Hospital at Wilson I
was Wounded at the last fight
at Fredericksburg I was wounded
between the Eye an Ear I shall
be well in Short I have never
bin Sworn in in the 21 Regt yet
So pleas send me per
that I May go to the 17 Regt
[page 2]

Write to me if you pleas as Soon
as you get th letter I have never
Drawed no confederate Bounty nothing
More at th present only
Remain yours truly

Berry Thomas to Gov
Z. B. Vance of N C

Direct your letter to Wilson
in care of Dr Satchwell
General Hospital