Marris Island S. C.
Sept the 8th 1864
Dear wife & children
It is with great pleasure that I
avail My Self of the present opportunity of
droping you a few lines to let you know where
& how I am. I am not verry wel at present but
Iam able to be up. I hope thoes lines may
reach you and find you all well. I have not heard
from you Since the 15th of June last
there is 600 of us have been placed here under
fire of our group. The conons are roaring all round
us constantly I have heard Several Since I have been
wrighting. but I am inhopes we will not be kept
here long. I hope we will be Exchanged before many
days, and then I think I will git to go home &
See you. for it is going on 2 years that I have
been in prison, I can See Charleston from here
I want you to wright as Soon as you git this direct
your letter me at this place by Flag of truce by
way of Charleston S,C, I do not Expect to git any
of your letters up to this date for it was thaught we
was going on exchange. give my love to all inquiren
friends & [commiction?] May the richest blessings of
heaven rest on you all is the cincere prear of your
unworthy Husband until death W. T. Bishop
To S. A. A Bishop Bexar Ala