Camp near the United states ford
May the 9th 1863
My, Dear Wife
This leaves
me well and I hope it may find you
the same. I have been through the
battle and God has brought me
out Safte and I feel more than
thankfull to think that while others
have been cut down I was one
who came out safte but I feel
very much worried after taking
such heavy marches and being
so much fatigued. We had a
hard battle on Sature day but
nothing to compare with that of
Sundy. That was the day we lost
so maney of our friends and so
maney were wounded. I thought
that every man would be kiled
and there would not be enough to
tell the tale of the rest
[page 2]
I threw a way my knapsack on the
battle field and every thing I had
and was glad to get off without
any thing. I thought I had seen
you for the last time but God
brought me through saft and
I feel very thankful to him for
his kindness to wards me I
have not got a letter from
you since you left I hope
I will receive one in a few
days. I hope we will not have
to fight anothe battle this
year and if we do I hope I will
not have the pleasure of being in
it a gain. Our killed was
Capt Armstrong John Harris
John Garris Z Rollins Cray
Padgett and Sergt W A Bloodworth
There was fifteen wounded and
several missing We cant tell
wheather our missing was killd
or not but I hope they were not
[page 3]
Charley came at out safte also
buoth of the ramsey boys
We have run the Yankees over
the river a gain they left
any quantity of plunder I
could have gotten any thing
I wanted but could not
cary any thing I took
several good drinks of the
real old coffee I never
Saw the like of the dead
men in my life. I must
close you must write
Soon I want to hear from
you and how you got a
long home give my
best love to all the famly
and a good portion to
your self I remain as
ever your devoted wife
husband John Futch

When I got back to camp all was

Dear Mother and Father
I hope you will not think hard
of me for not writing. I have
a mighty bad chance to do any
thing here but will write to
you both soon. I have com
out Safte and am thankful
for it I wish I could be
with you all a while my
love to all you must
write soon I reman you
devoted Son Joh Futch