Camp Second Maine Cavalry
Barankas August the 18th 1864 [1]
Friend John
I received your day before
yesterday And was very glad
to here from you.
I am in good health have been
Since the first of may Smith
is in the hospital at Neworleans
the remander of the boys are all
well. We are Stationed at
Barrankas 10 miles from Penscola
one mild from fort Pickings
there is three more forts here
that I dont know the names
of the woods are all [full?] of Shot
And Shell that was thrown
from out gunbats taking
this place.
we have not been in eny
ingagements yet there is two
or 3 rebs Camp not far from here
[page 2]
I want to get down where
they are.
the 12 Maine has gone to Va
I did not See them there is
only the Second Maine in
this department now frome maine
We do not get so much to eat
as we did in Lousanna.
I Cant think of much news
to rite. are they going to have
a draft in maine.
A great many of our Company
are Sick we have only lost one
man by Death yet
I dont get much time to rite
we have been Cutting bushes
all the forenoon Clearing up
A Camp ground
I Cant think of more News
to rite So good day
from your friend E. R. Manson
[page 3]
Direct your letters the
Same as usual to Neworleans