[John B. Chesson was a wealthy farmer from Mackeys Ferry in Washington County, NC. His son, W. R. Chesson (b. ca. 1843), served as a cpl. in Co. H, 17th NC Inf. It is unclear what if any connection the Chessons had with the Cowand family]

Camp near Hamilton NC
Dec 19th 1862
I drop you these few lines
to tell you of the Hides which
Capt Stark left in my
Care under your direction
as he said I have sent them
over to Mr Jack Shirds
and had them put in
an old cabben which
stands near our present
Campground I think
prudent for you to send
as son as conveniant
after them as I have
to leave for
near Washington with
three other Comps this
evening and cand no
longer have them under
my care no news from
the enemy my love to all
your affectionate son
WR Chesson
[page 2]
Cousin Swain Norman was
at Camp day before yester
day Uncle + aunt Susan
were both well
W Chesson