Camp 57.. near.. Kinston
April..16….1864
Dear wife I seat my self this
morning with pleasure to let you
now that I am well and I Sincerly
hope those few lines reaches
you they will find you all well
Dear wife it has bin my desire
to hear from home ever Since
the 23 of March I got A leter
that was riten the 15 of March
it appars that you had no
to rite any More I have
[rote?] [???]three leters since
you rote I rote 6 leters since I
[page 2]
went to virginia I do Expect
this to be the last one til
I get an anser I Can inform
you that the brigade has left
all but the 57 and 44 we
dont now whether we will
leave yet or not we was Cald
out to the brestworks yesterd
times is hard hear we Cant
buy any thing we cant get
any tobaco at this plase
Without paying two prices
from two to 4 dolers A plug
Dear wife I would like
to Come home the best
[page 3]
in this world to See you
all I would like to get A
recroot now I could get A
furlow for [30?] days if
thear is any that will Come I will pay him
what is rite if jonus Hefner
has to Come tel him to Come
to our Company as A recroot
for I now that he cant
get to A beter regment
and I think that it will
Stay in NC without A
Accident So turn over
[page 4]
Dear wife I would you
to rite as Soon as this
Comes to hand and tel
Me all the news and
if there is any Chance
I want you to Send me
Something to eat I can
tel you that Corn bread
for breckfast and Corn bread
for diner and for super
dont take so well So I
Must come to A Close
I remain your husband
til death Marcus Hefner
to Kizzia Hefner