[written on top margin of the page]
my dear I wold like to rite
you along letter but I hant
got time
the of [1863]
Richmond . V. A. this . 16 . March
My dear wife I now Seat my
Self to anser your letter that I
received yesterday evening I was
glad to hear from you my dear
I am well at the present time
I received the Stamps you Sent
me my dear wife you Sead
that my dear babe cold
talk and that it was So
funny ohow I wold like
to be at home to play with
it owhat pleacher it wold
be to me my dear wife I
am Still in hopes that
the war will end by
June my dear I have no
news to write only
we air about to perich

[written on left side margin of the page]
John Hartman
Partha Hartman
[page 2]
[written on top margin of the page]
When this you See odear remember
me though many miles apar we
may be but never forget me
my dear Wife

we dont begin to get half
rashons one half of the time we
dont get enny thing but
alittle dry bread my dear
wife I have Swapt my
Silver watch for ahundred
and thirty doller gold watch
my dear I have anoshen to
Send it home it is the
prettyest watch you
ever Saw my dear I hope
that theas few lines will
find you and my Sweat
babe enjoying fine health
no more at present rite Soon
and dont forget rite Soon
John H Hartman to my
loveing wife Partha L Hartman