[According to the 1860 Census, Alfred Gibson was a 36-year- old landless farmer who could not read and write.]

} Gun Powder Creek
Gov. Z. B. Vance } Caldwell Co N.C
My dier } 9th Augs 1863.
Sir after complaments &c. &c.
I am a conscript by Age & am of naturally
of delicate health. besides. my left eye
is about going out. it gives me much & contin
-ual pain with pains all thow my Siston
together with all I am attacted with
frequent. reather eragular fits. all of which
render me quite unable for miletary Service
or anything else. I entered the Service of the
Confederate cause at the Geverment Shop
at Ashville & I was found not able to
discharge the Labour requiard of me & I was
discharged from thair - and on all
ocasions when the conscrpts is called out
the Officer will have me to appear for Exam
-ination I am Stil on the Rolls of Exempts
& I want you if in your power or conveniance
to instruct me how I may not be So harrassed
so unnessary. I feel to think you can So
instruct me that I may Get a final
discharge from all malitia duty
Sir over
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in case you can be of aney Service to me
you will please inform as soon as
practiable & by so doing it would be a
lasting favour –
I am Sir Obediantly Yours as ever
Address Alfred Gibson
Buck- Shoals. P.O.
Caldwell Co
In haste N.Ca.

P.S. the M.D. here Know what I have
written is the facts as to the State of
my health A. G –

also I enclose 10¢ for a return Address