Reley Hose may 18
Dear while I Just Receved 1861
your Letter and was glad to hear
From you I got the Box you Sent
and Papers and was glad to get them
they Picture was a good one thee
tobaco came in good time wee
are Camped at the Relay house
hill in maryland there is
two Regiments and Boston
Artlley here while I write it is
hot enough to Roast egs here
our Company was on Picet gaurd
the other night there miles [there = three]
From camp Capt Barlet Says
he is a going to Sta 3 years
But I shant nor thee Company
I am wiling to Serve 3 monts
and no more give my Love to
all write as Soon you Can
kiss the children For me
wee may Be sent to Boston
or new york But thare is no
knowing Send me a towel
i want one much I must now
close For wee have got to go and
get our Rations So good By
For the present Excuse me For [????]
[page 2]
I was glad to hear From aunt nelson
give my Love to her that I will try
and [???] about Right write as soon
[as?] can and Send mee my under shirt
and a Pair of Stockings tell Frank
Hopkinson to write tell nelley to Be
a good girl I cant think of aney
more to write
From your husband
Joseph Barlow
Relay house
Elk a[?]ge Landing
Maryland