Alexandra Jan. 2 1863 [1]
Dear friends John and
Anna I now take my pen in hand
to let you know that I am well
& i resieved your letter some time
ago but have not had a optunity
to answer it we had some excitement
here the other night some rebels
made A rade with[in] six miles of here
it made some of the boys scared most
to Death for my part I wish they had
come and bunt this city for it is
A nasts hole. Charles Favour [1] is about
in a mill from here we see him
most every day I hope he will
get his discharge and go home he Comes
up here most every day. Catton
Bean has been here to day and took
dinner. we are in a barrack here
and guard a bakery and Cattle yard
I dont like so well here as I
did in Camp there is no news only
we boys Clean out a house most
evers night we go in knock down
and drag out rite Soon from your friend
[written in right side margin]
E R Manson