[This letter and the following one by Armistead Coffey were both written by the same person. Both Raby and Coffey served as privates in Co. H, 58th NC Inf.]

Oct 27 1863

Camp Holmes Raleigh NC

To His Excelency

Gov. Z. B. Vance
Dear Sir I Wm. R. Raby
of Co. H 58th Regt N.C. Troops
under Co J. B. Palmer I am
here in the guard house for
desertion I cam home without
leave I did not try to keep out
of the way of the authroities
I want to work to try to do
something for my family I
was arrested on the 18th of this
Inst [1] at home in caldwell 
County NC this is the first
time that I left the Regt
and if you will be
pleased to pardon me
[page 2]
for this I will Return to
the Regt and never do so
any more please answer
this soon and let me
got to the Regt as soon
as you can I am suffering
here with Cold very much
I am your humble servt
Wm. R. Raby