James Island So Ca June the
26
1862
My Dear son
I seat my self to write to
a gain this leaves me in good
health and hope this will find
you all enjoying the same bless-
ing of God Jimmy I have no
news of importance to write
more than we can see the
yankees when we are on picket
we are not allowed to fire
at them unless they advance
on us and they are not likely
to do that nor they do not
fire at us neither unless we
advance on them all thing
are quiet here since the
fight of the 16th
Jimmy I want to know the
reason you nor your mother
dont write to me it has been
two weeks since I have got
a letter from any of you
you must not keep me looking
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for a letter and not getting
it you must be a good boy
and take good care of Ida and
not let her get hurt you must
obey all your mother says
and kiss her and Ida for me
and they must kiss yow too
yow must write to me how many
little pigs all the sows has
and how all the hogs are get-
tin on how your Dog and kitt[ens]
look and papa is getting on
with his crop I must close by
saying I hope and pray the
Lord will spare our lives so
we may meet again and that
not to part on account of war
write soon and beleave me
as ever your affectionate Father
Joseph A Drummond