Secessionville S C
August 9th 1862
Dear wife
I seat myself
to drope yow a few lines to
inform you that I am well
and hope these few lines
may find you all the same
we have just received orders
to go to virgina we are
to leave this place this
evening I ould have liked
to have come home before
we went but there is no
chance now I do not want
none of yow to grieve a bout
our haveing to go as it
may be for our good
I want yow to take good
care of the children and
every thing else the best
yow can Say to Farther
I want him to see that
yow and the children are
not imposed upon
[page 2]
in my absence I beleave
that the Lord will bless me with
the priviledge of returning
to you all again I do not
mind going at all as I
think it is my duty
I must close as I have
got my things to pack yet
may God bless you all
with every needed blessing
good by to yow all for this
time I will write as soon
as we get to our destination
your loveing husband
Joseph .A. Drummond