Jan the 1th 1862

Dear Sister I now take
this opportunity of writing
you a fiew lines to let
you know that I am well
at this time I have bin
un well for two or three days
but have got better I hope
when theas lines come to
hand they may find you
all well I would like
to be at home now to take
Christmas and new years
But it may be Christmas
a time or two yet before
we get to go I have nothing
to write of importance
I want you to write Soone
and give me the news
and let me no wheather they
have any parties their like
they had last winter if they
[page 2]
Write to me at Bristo Va

have I hope that them that
Is at the head of them
wil be drafted and have
to experience a Soldiers life
no body nos what it is till
they try it we have
got used to it So that
we do not mind it much
now we are fixed hier
now So that we can do as wel
as if we was at home almost
we have a good close cabbin
and beads fixed up off the
ground so it looks like home
to what It did when we was
in our old tent Smoked
half to Death i must close
for I have nothing to write
write Soone I would like to get
a letter from Some of you every day
or So So nothing more James W Overcash
to Mary A Overcash