New orleanes Steam [leava?] Cotton
press May the 2th 1864

Friend John I will rite you
a few lines to inform wou how
we are getting along I am well
and hope you are all enjoying the
Same health Smith is Sick and
has had a hard time of it i am
in hopes he is better i was in
to see him last night and he
seamed better he and I had
the meazles on the Ship and
he got Cold I only had them
light the rest of the boys are
all well.
we went up the river to
Carlton yesterday nine miles
from here it was quite along
ride 18 miles for green hands
it is about as warm here now
[page 2]
as it is in maine in July the
Corn is about thwo 2 feet hight
the potatoes are blosoming and
I see where there had been haying.
I heard the 12 maine was at
Carlton but i did not See them
we did not there over fifteen minutes

The 29 and 30 and part of our
regt have been in a fight
up to red river. I hope that
we will go there soon I want
to git out of the City to the
Country.
we dont have eny good water
to drink out of river water
it is as riley as amud puddle.
I rote Horace the other day
i dont know wheather he will
get it or not.
I forgot to tell you I was
Sea Sick two days
[page 3]
I Can not think of
eny news to rite
Direct your letters to
neworlean La. Second Maine Cav
Co L
from your friend
E. R Manson
Co L
2nt
Maine
Cavalry