9 Oclock at night

Camp Hardee Oct 3, 1862
Dear wief I write you
this letter and it ma be the
last but I hope not we Just
got Orders to go to the Sai[n]t
Johns River in East florida we
have to Start at 3 Oclock in
the morning the yanks are
invadeing that County by
thousands and have got one
of our Generals Surrounded
his name is Penington and
we have to go to releive him
we will get to the place about
Sundy night I am anccious to go
but I dred the result I will do
the best I can I wish I could
have seen you before I had to
go in to a battle but it is to late
now I think we are certen
to get in to it assoon as we get
thare I hate to have to leave
my things we are not to Cary
but blanket and what close
we ware the ballence I shall
[page 2]
have ti lave but I will try
to do the best I about getting
them taken care of if you
have not Sent the Keg of
Brandy dont send it now but
Save it Margaret if I never see
you eny more you do the best
you can for you an the childering
tell them I would give any thing
in this world to see them this
night Kiss them all for me
Margaret I would give all the
money I will get in this war if I
Just could get to se you now
I will rite to you the first
chance I get I shll tak your
picture with me me [?] John bought
the salt and payed for it as
was to go to morrow after it
but you see thare is no chance to
attend to it I will try to get sum one
to attend to it for me you must excuse
bad writing and spelling for I had to do
it in a hury so far well margaret
untel you here from me a gain
I remain your affectionet Husband untel
death A J White