the
Camp nere Wilmington N.C Dec 21 1862
Dear wief I seat my self on the ground this morning
on the ground to rite you a few lines these leaves
me well and hearty the morning that I rote you
the order was Countermanded for us not to go to GoldsBurrough
and to stay here at this place we are Camped
out in a old field about 2 miles from the Citty
wood is verry Scarse & the wether powerful cold
Wilmington is almost a deserted place the yellow
Fever killed about ¼ of the inhabtance this summer
and the ballence hav run from the yanks
it is a considerable place of trade in peaceable times
thare ant a man here but what would
be glad to be back at Savannah now tha had
another fight nere golds Burrough on the 19 it resulted
in the defeat of the yanks with great loss I think
we will stay here untel the big fight comes
of[f] a bout Richmond and then I think we will
be sent thare as we are only 205 miles from
Richmond and can be run thare on the rail road
in 20 hours and I think that will our destiny
I have rote back to Nath to send my box a things
home tha will be sent by exspress to Atlanta
if I get a uniform that will fit I will not nead any more close
but if I dont I will oblige to have sum
I dont noe wether to depend on it or not
[page 2]
I exspect you had better to Send me sum by Bowen
or Dr Maxwell for fere I dont get them the Quarter
master starts back to Savannah this morning after
our Cooking utensils and 6 tents to the Camp is all
tha have sent for that shoes that tha exspect [1]
to have quick marches to make I wish I could
have got to have come home to have
sea you you all before I left Savannah
but thare was no chance you must do
the best you can for your self and
them the childering for it is uncertain
wether I ever get to see you any
more or not but I hope I will if I
get sick I will let you no
no as soon as I can I dont never want to go to
a hospittle if I can help it I have seen how
the sick fareed in them if I get sick I shall
try to get in a private house if I can you
must rite to me Margaret as often as you
can for I would be glad to here from you
twice a week if I could and if we get in va
it will be uncertain when I [here from?] Tell
the childering howdy for me tell them pappa
wants to see them bad you must exscuse bad riting
and spelling for I have a poor chance to rite so
fere well Margaret for this time I remain your [affectionet?]
husband untel death A,J, White
Direct Wilmington North Carolina Care Capt Maguirk
Com C 30 Reg Ga Vol