May the 4th 1862
Dear Martha
I seat my self to write you
afew lines to let you all know
that I am well at this time
and hope this may find you all
enjoying the same blessing
we are now near Bamberg turn
out but are ordered to move
next tuesday to Charleston
and we do not know where we
will go to then when we get
stationed I will write to you
where to direct your letters to
me you must kiss Jimmy
and Ida for me and tell Jimmy
I will write to him as soon as
we get settle a gain
you must do the best you can
for your self and children
Tell Basils people that he is well
and that we have to move
[page 2]
John left hear last wednesday
sick with the mumps I have not heard
whether he has got home or not
capt Duncan tried to get the Col to
let me go home with him but he
would not let me go Tell Farther that
I want him to remember me in his
prayers and I will pray to the Lord
with all my heart and soul to
protect me and you all from
the evils of this vile world and
to shield you all from harm
and that it may be his will that wee
may all be spaired to meet a gain
and that not to part Tell Jiney
Egerton and Emma that I will
write to them as soon as I can
tell them that theay must stay
withe you as much as they can you
must kiss Laurence and Jane
for me and tell Martha howdy
for me I like to have for got little
Joseph kiss him too
[page 3]
Frank Green says he want you
to send word to his Farther and Mother
that we are going to move and that
he is well at this time he says
he wants you to give his love to
all the girls in the neighborhood
and tell them he wants to see them
all a gain It is getting near roll
call and I am setting flat in my
tent with a board in my lap with
Frank Green holding a candle for
me I must close by saying that I hope
you are all well and that God
will bless you all with health
and prosperity Farewell Dear wife
Joseph A. Drummond