Va
Camp near Fredericksburg
Dear Mit April the 23.1863
dated the 17 and I was glad to hear that
Pappy was still improving and out of danger
this leaves me well and harty and I
hope that those few lines reaches you they
may find you all well I have no news
to write that would interest you as thare
is none sturring about heare that is new
the spring has brought forth meny beutifull
flours with it and the trees are budding
out and all of these makes me think and
meditate on the dear old past. and happy
moments that I have spent in days gone
bys but. alas. they are gone never more to
return but I am in hopse that the future
will bring forth more happier moments than
has ben for the last two years and may
them moments be before the last of this
year and that peace and liberty may be
ours I cant help from thinking that
the war will end before the close of this
year old Hooker is affraid to change
his base ferful that lee will take Washington
citty and he is affraid to cross the river
and so he do not know what to do so he sayes
[page 2]
old lincon and his wife and his
son came to visit old Hookers
army the other day and he had his
army out on review to let them
See them and they suluted old
lincon by firring of some few cannons
witch was plainly heard by wee all
but the bes of all if the report be true
thare will leave next month 300.000
Soildiers from the yankey army and
I hope it may be true I must close
for the want of news and time
write soon and often and I will do
likewise I have you another ring dun
but I will not send it to you untill
I see wether John Grissom are comming
out here or not and if he dont come
I will send it in A letter so nothing
more but remaining your Brother
as ever J.. F.. Coghill
to A E Coghill

Guineas Station VA