[1] Winchester Jan 27 1863
Dear Mother
I arrived here save
to day and found the boys
well we had a save jerney and
a plesend time sunday we got
to Bitzengerber tavern on sunday
night 6 miles from Fredrick City
and went to the City the next
morning and left at eleven oclock
in the train and arrived at Martrin
burg at 8 oclock and went 11 miles
that night and stopt and came
here this morning safe and sound
I seen a pontoon bridge at Harpers
Ferry they were surprise to see me
I like camp life so far very very [weel?]
They are building a fort here
I seen all the works that the rebels
has burnt along the rode I am
tired and sore but i think i
will be alwright in the morning
[page 2]
We had bean supe for dinner
and crackers i like it wery well
but i think i will haft to
stop. I am tired and cant hold
my pen it cost me $2.25cts all the
way to here give my love to all
and tell them i gut here safe.
yours son
J [H?] Skelly