December the 23 1862
Camp in the woods
Dear sister I take my
pen in hand to drop you
A fiew lines to let you know
that I am well at this
time and hope this will
find you all in good
health you must excuse
me for not writing sooner
we have had another
fight since I wrote to
you last thank god I
got through safe Mr young
was killed and five or
six wounded but none
bad I have not got
A letter from you in
A long time and I would
[page 2]
like to hear from you
the best in the world
the next time you
write I want to know
how much my uniform
cost so that I can get
the ten Dollars that
was kept back for them
it will soon bee chrismas
and I want you all
to have A good time
but I dont expect
to have much
my self if Rudy Rowland
has not started back
when this gets to you
you must send me
a Cake or two or
some thing good
[page 3]
in your last
letter you said something
A bout my mess
Mates they are R.R. Blakely
and L.C. Anderson
R.R. Blakely got some
coffee from home
the other day I want
you to send me some
if you have A chance
Rush has wrote home
for A box and if you
can find out when they
go to send his box
you must send me
something I am in
as good A mess as any
bodey is in
[page 4]
J.P. Sloan is well
and fat I am the
fattest I ever was
tell Hadely and louis
to bee good boys a
Christmas and not
get in to no fusses with
the Boys round A bout
well I must close
give my love
to all the family
and aunt nanny all so
I remain your
affectionate Brouther
till death
W.R. Blakely