Orange Court House
dec 11th 1861
Dear Father and mother I
take my pen in hand to let
you know that I am well
at present and hope when
theas few lines comes to hand
they may find you enjoying
the same blessing I received
your letter the other day
and I was glad to here that
you all air getting a long
so well you sed that Brother
george had sent me a poke of
chestnuts and a pair socks
they air at the Regiment at
center ville william hamilton
is taking care of them for me
I am still at orange yet
and expect to stay all winter
I am verry well pleased
I get my washing done for
nothing and I get $18.50 per
month you wanted me to
get a furlo and come
home I cant come home for
the doctors wont let me
go to my Regiment to get
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my thing from there But
they say I may go to my
Regiment to stay a Bout
three days I would like to
see you all firstrate no chance
for me to see you untill my
time S is out give my love
all the inqireing friends
Mr hamiltons that I will
write to them soon you
wanted to know if I wanted
money or clothes or knot
I believe I dont need nothing
you wanted to know if I
remembered any thing a bout
the wheat and oats that we got
from mr Kesler I do remem
ber something a bout it
now I must bring theas
few lines to a close
so nothing more at
present But I hop to remain
your affectionate son
until death
Fare well James B Painter