Sullivans Island April 1st 1863

Dear Wife I take pleasure in addressing you a few
lines which leaves me quite well hoping this may
reach you all in good helth altho I am some what
disapointed in geting a letter from you last mail
I aught to have goten it last night but have not
got it yet I cant account for the cause of my not hear=
=ing from you, Dear Rachel I have no news of great importance
to right you only I understand this morning that the
yankeys are landing a force on Johns Island I cant say
whether the report be true or not perhaps wee may
have stering news in a few days. Dear Rachel we have
some verry coal and winday weather for the last too or
tree days and you need not doubt this being a cole place
such weather as this I feel the need of your company
heare verry much to keep me warm and make me
comfortable but it appears that you are a long time
coming to my releaf I look for the time with and
anxious hart and it filled with menney plesant thoughts
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much like a man would uppon the day of his
marieg and Expecting but little seremony I hope you
will not keep me long in this uneasy state
Dear Rachel I am at a loss how to right you
a lengthy letter as I have missed giting a word
from you this week but I hope the caus as nothing
serious and better understood with you than me
Dear Rachel when you come dont forgit to bring
the little things that I riten to you in previous
letters it would be well for you to slip one of your
best bed quilts in the box as my beding is a little scarse
Dear Rachel I must bring this to a clos for the want
of more to right accept my best wishes for yourself
and little sisey tell father and Mother that the boys
are all well I stayed with them last night I also want
you to Extend my Respect to them all hoping wee
may all meet again when wee shal be no more
let no one read this letter but yourself accept a kiss
Mrs R. E. Jefcoat from your affectionate John. J. Jefcoat