Apr the 27th /63

Camp Near Fredricks Va
Dear Father
I seat my self this
evening to drop you a few lines
although I have nothing of intrust
to communicate I and Jimmie
are well at present and the health
of the company is very good at
this time except Rafe Herrin
he is nearly deaf and is blieve he
will go intirely so if he stays here
which he will have to do.
Well I recon you have heard agreat
deal about us not getting enough to
eat it is true we do not got any
to waste but if you could see
me you would think that I get
enough at any rate I weigh 160
pounds which is 15 pounds nore more than
I was weighed before
We draw fresh shad once a week
1 ¼ au each Which go very well
[Page 2]
to a fellow that gets nothing to eat
but a quarter of a pound a day of bacon
and flower bread without grease in it [1]       
We are seeing a very good time and
the weather is moderating very fast
but the trees have not begun to
bud out yet . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I recon you are done planting
your crop before this time but the
people have not thought of planting
here yet Well I dont suppose you
would know the So Rifles now the
old members are nearly all gone and
the com is filled up with Substitutes
and cont conscripts
I must close for I have
nothing of intrust to write
please write Soon for I have
not heard from home in a long
time this in is the fourth letter
I have wrote since recieved one
I hope this will find you
[Page 3]
and the rest of the family well
give my love to Ma and
Grannie and tell them I
getting on finely
tell Ma that I am learning
to be a good cook and can wash
very well no more this time
So-good by

Your obedient son
Lewis Branscomb