Va
In camp Near Frederricksburg
the
Februrary 22 1863
My dear Father & Mother
I seat my
self this eavning to let you
know that I have got back to
the Regiment safe and sound
and found all the boys well
and in good sperit: We did not
get here until yesturday eavening
We missed connection on the road
at Raleigh Weldon & Petersburg:
It took us seven days to get back:
One of the coaches broke down
Between Salsberry & Raleigh and
We missed connection We Staid in
Raleigh a Wednesdays took the cares
at night and travailed about forty
miles and the cares run against
each other: and tore up things
smartly: We had to ly there til morning
There was not any person hurt much
We got behind time at Weldon and Petersburg
[page 2]
We reported to our Colonel he was
a little crossways: but we told him
of the accidents on the road and
it was all right: He said we orto of
brought a Surtifficat to Show that it was
so: but he said he would take our
word as quick as any boddys:
We took dinner with Govener Vance
he said he was truly glad to see us
he is just old Z B [1] yet: I was glad
to see him: We paid Thomas White
five dollars for him and horse and give him
five dollars to beare his expence back home
We told him if it took more than five to
call on you and Mr Porter for the rest
We did not pay any thing on the
cares: We got transpertation at
Salsbury to Richmond & from Rich
to Fredricksburg: I was offered
too hundred & fifty dollars for old dick
at the head of the road: I thought I orto
have three I believed I could of got it
if I had of had time to of talked with him a while
[upside down in top margin of page 2]
Feb 28th I would of sent this sooner but
have been waiting for the boys to get their
furlough We are boath well at present
W M P
[page 3]
I think you can get three hundred
very handly: Too more of our
boys have sent up their furloughs
William Murphy. And J. F. Fox [2]
is the next too: They will bee at home
Soon if they luck well: Our boys
have been paid of they have
money plenty: and plenty
to eat: We get flour beef rice
Sugar Salt & soap: Our mess
got eleven pounds Sugar to day.
Our Regt are in cabbins but do not
expect to stay in them many days.
The troops are all leaving Fredericksburg
except Jackson Corpse: They are
goin towards Petersburg:
It comenced snowing here
last night. and has not quit
yet. it is about ten inches
deep now: There has been snow
a plenty here it was from fifteen
to twenty inches deep here while I was
at home: Every thing is quiet here
[upside down in top margin of page 3]
Ps Porter told me to Settle for his
hat cover but I forgot it send
the price when you write and
he will Settle for it
[page 4]
I hope it will remain
so: I will close unless I
had something of more
interst to write.
I forgot our descriptive list
I left it in the beaurow draw
I want you to send it
with lieutenant Johnston
or the first chance:
I did not hear of any hands
to hire: Let us know as soon as you
hear from Sam: nothing more
at present Remains
your son Wm M. Patton

Give my love to all

W M P
[upside down in top margin of page 4]
J R Pittillo [3] send his respects
to you all & says he is not ded