Sulls Island April 12th 1864
Dear Rachael
I had the pleasure
of receiving yours of the 7th inst
last night I am glad to heare from
you and to heare that you are injoying
good helth and sincearly hope the
Blessing my continue with you
This leaves me quite well also the
rest of the boys, we have fine spring
weathe heare now My Dear I have no
news of interest to write you The Enemy
still remain quiet heare at presant
My Dear I cant say that your letter
was much pleasure for me to read
as it was mostly filled up with
matter that serves to agrevate more than
please it is a pity but Evry body
would look so themselfs insted of
others and see what tha truly are
the devil has cirtainly got a feast
and it looks like it wil continue for
ninty nine years or during the war [???]
[page 2]
My Dear I am sorry to say to you
that all furloughs are stoped in
this deparment by the secretary
of war untill further orders
this no doupt will put my visit
home a long ways off, I have no
doupt if tha continue stoped for
three months our army will have five
deserters to where it has one now and
I dont care how soon such a thing
takes place, My Dear I have not drew
Eney money yet this year and dont no
when wee will git Eny it is likely wee
will git new ishue when wee doe draw
My Dear I think if furloughs stay stoped
long you will have to try to come and see
me perhaps I could get leaf to stay on
Mt Pleasant with you a few days I close
hoping to hear something more chering
from you in your next accept my
love and Respects I Remain as Ever
your obedient servent till death
Mrs E, R, Jefcoat } John J Jefcoat
[added at top of page 2]
P.S. Rachael if you dont mind the first
thing you no you will have the Hooping
caugh among your children