[Laney served in Co. I, 26th NC Inf. His name is also recorded in his service records as Emdempsy Laney.]

Caldwell County NC
August the 16th 1863
Mr..Z. B. Vance sir it is with
much respect that I avail
my self to drop you A few lines
to let you no that I am Not
well I can say to you that they
wold not give me A furlough
and I took A furlough of
my own and come home
I have got the Dropsy verry
bad and one eye is entierly
out and the other is not
good, I believe it will be
out in A month or two
my captain sed he wold
give me A furlough Discharge
but had not the chance to
it Doctor Gaither said I was
wornout and cold not stand it
[page 2]
I no
if you cold see me you wold
let me stay A tell I git
better I dont think thay
will interrupt me with
out you ses so
so no moore at present
only I still remains your friend
when you rite to me Direct your
letter Buckshoals PO Caldwels
M,, D,, Laney to
Mr Z.B.Vance Gov