Camp..23rd.. Regt .N..C. Troops
Orange. C.H. V.A
Dear Pappy Ma . and Mit.. Sept the 21..1863
I have the
oppitunity this evening to write
you A few lines to let you
know that I am well and harty
it would be unnecessary for me
this evening to write you A long
letter concerning the present
times. as I guess that Brother
has given you the particulars
ove the procedings of the present
times. .wee have ben in
A line of battle for four days
including to day but know wee
have moved out of our fortifications
and have takened up camp
but not very far from the line
wee have A very good position
the yankes are Still on the
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other side of the Rapidan River
they are in sight and looks
almost numerous they are
like black birds going in
every directions. wee expect
and attact heare every day
but every thing to day is quiet
So I will not say eny thing
more about the expected battle
I was more than glad to heare
that you all had such A good
meeting I would certinly ben
glad to have enjoyed it with
you all.. but I enjoyed the
meeting that wee had out heare
I have not lines nor time
to write eny more about it
So I will close I have written
you all about 8 letters and havent
received an answer yet so I remain
as ever your Benevolent son and
Brother J,, F,, Coghill