Spt the 8th 1862
Camp Near Fredrick City
Fredrick County Maryland
Dear Father & Mother
I take the present
Oppertunity of dropping you
a few lines to let you
know that I am well
at present hopping when
theas few come to hand
they may find you
inJoying the same Blessing
I have no news of importance
to write to you

we had a big fight on the
old Battle field of Manassas
Junction we was successfull
and whiped the yankeys badly
we took a great many prisoners
thear dead was laying thick over
the field we air now in the
State of Maryland it is a fine
Country we Crossed the Potomac
River last thorysday Morning
the Maryland Boys is Joining us
verry Fast we have seen
verry hard times but I trust
this war wont last long
[page 2]
We have got the Baltimore
and Ohio Rail Road in our
Possession we have Plenty to eat
we have had verry hard marching
some times march Day and
night James H Hamilton
is well William Hamilton
is dead he died in petersburg
there was 4 men killed in
Company in the late
Batle John B[???] mat [F?] am
James [????] [??]
Russell theas air the men
that was killed ther was
severl wounded I was not
in the last Battle
Father I have got me
a new suit of close whitch
Cost me [???] [????] [???]
not expect [???] [???] [???]
me verry oftin I would be
verry glad to here from
you all [????] tell Brother
George that [????] [???] [???]
for not writing to me
[page 3]
Now I must bring theas
few lines to a Close
Give my love to all the
Children when you write
Direct your letter to
Gordensville Co K 28th
Regiment of Va Vols
the mail is sent tou us
from there I sent $11.00 to
you by [??ll?] Hamilton
give my love to Respect to
mr Hamilton Father
I have had my
Health splendid
you need not be on
easy about me I cant
write to you often
you must excused this
Badly composed letter
so nothing more but
remains your son
untill deat
Fare well Dear Friends
James B. Painter