Camp Manggrum March 10 1862 [Camp Mangum, near Raleigh]
Dear Wife
I should of been at home
befoure now but we have not received our
bounty yet so I Shall not come untill
I get it which will bee in a few days
& then then I shall come immidtly I want
to bring you my Degrouetype & some sugar &
some soap calaco dreses & some thing for
Seaf [1] kiss him for me & tell him I will bring 
him something pirty when I come. Dump [2] do not 
get out of heart for I have better news to
tell you than you expect from the position
the Dr toald me to take.
We have a plenty of provission such as they
are cald bacon & beef we have a aplenty of
Shugar rise & meal coffee. Our company
is considered the best in redgement I never
saw a moar peassiable pasel of men in
my life we hoald pray meeting twise a
weak & relegous tracts given to ous
please write me soon as you get this & tell
me how you & Seaf & all are. if you neead
any thing get Buck to get them for you &
I will pay for them wen I come I should
of sent you some money the day I left but
the did not pay me a scent
I must come to a close with my letter
you must not get out of heart I will
bee at hoam in a few days
give my love to all I remain as ever your
afectionate housband
J. A. Patton