August 19th 1861
Richmond monday night 9 oclock
Dear Eliza
In great hast I seat my
self to drop you a line informing you
that I am well I wrote you aletter
and mailed it to day but as Ben Silmon
is going to start home in the morning
I thought I would write again and request
you if posible to send an answer by him
when he comes back as he is going after
recruits I guess you wil have the chance
of getting an answer to him as it is
now 9 oclock and the drum wil soon tap
for lights our I have little time to give
newse I have just heard of the death
of two of our company who were left
at Big Shanty they ar Van Franklin
and W O Adair Scott the steward
of the Hospital then arived here to
day and told us of ther death
I have ben sick several days and
was verry un well this morning when
I wrote but feel mite well to night
I am 10 Lbs lighter than when I came
to camps I weigh 132 Lbs now my time
is out and I must close I did not
know til after I had gon to bed that
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Silmon was going home or I would have
written more try and send letter back
by him you do not know how bad I want
to hear from home nothing mre
your affection ate husband
W S Shockley