Camp Near Petersburge v.a. May 15th [1864]
Dear Companion I now take this
opertunity of writing you a fiew lines
as all the boys air writing we left
Kinston NC Day befour yesterday for
this place we had some trouble in get
ing here for the yankies raid had tore
the rode up & we had to Replace it befour
we could get here. they burned the briges
across Notaway & stoney creeaks our brigade
is all heare or on the way here we have chee
ring news from the armey in this parte
of the countrey he has failed to acomplish [1]
much yet in aney way & I sincearley hope
& trust to God we will be sucksessful for
if we loose Richmond we will protract
the war. we air in hering of it this morning
we herd the ball open about 8 oclock the Rore of
the cannon & the the Roar of the musket tell
to Each one of us their will be something for
you to do we air in reserve this morning but
we air just wating for the order to fall in
boys which will be prompley obeyed, they have
had two fights on this side of the River we
Repulsed them boath times Beaureguard is in
comand of the forses on this side & will
if he is not over powered soon clean them
out Walker is still in comand of this
brigade, the boys air well & in fine
Spirits, tell Berey to inquire for this
brigade & stop & see me if he can when
he starts to va
[page 2]
Rebecca I would like to see you this
morning & talk to you but we air
a good ways a parte but hope we will
soon meet again. as the mail is gowing
to leave soon you will Excuse this short
letter for I have wrote it in great hast
I will do better the next time write Evrey
chance you get for I now I allways am
glad to here from you Direct your letters
to Petersburge v.a. but we may be back
to Kinston N.C. before long for we left
no body their so I remain your true &
loving Companion the Rail Rode
may be cut a gain & the mail stop
a gain you need not be uneasey about
me untell you hear again
yours &.c.
W A Martin