Comp 14th N C T
Jan the 21st 64
Dear Father
I take the pleasure to write
you a few lines to let
you know that I am
well, I have nothing of
interest to write you
we are still at the mill
sawing planks I received my
box you sent me to capt
Young, I was truly glad to
get it it come in a very
good time for our rations
is rather short and I am
fond of some thing good
to eat especially when it
comes from buncombe
there is a good part of this
camp reenlisting for the war
about half the old members
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of our company has
reenlisted I am one of that
number we have caried on the
war this far I thought I
will see them out we have
the war to fight out, I think
it best to reenlist, it never
will do to give up to our
enemies I cannot think of
submision, we have lost
too many good men to submit
to Abe Lincolns government
the Confederate senate has
pased a bill to put all men
in <???> up to fifty five
year though congress has not
acted on it yet I hope
they will kill it, I think
if they will bring all out
to forty five that will be
enough I think the men
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over that age would
do more good at home than
they will in the army
we must have some body
to make something for us
to eat, If some of our
congress members was in
the ranks with a musket
on their shoulders, I think
they could serve their country
better than where they are
there is a great many
soldiers going home on
furlough if they keep
giving furloughs perhaps
I will get to come home
about the last of march
but I think it is uncertain
so I will close I also received
the letter you sent by capt
young so nothing more
[page 4]
write soon I remain your
son
Jacob E Patton