April 2nd 1864

Camp of 18th N.C.T.
R.L. Proffit
Beloved cister
I again attempt to write you
not in ansur to a letter from
you for I have not had any
in teligence from home
cince I left onley what
I heard through other letters
I have wrote home all so
A.j. has don the same if you
have not got them you
Should have written
us any how I expected
to git some letters when
J C Lewther came back
but I faild to do so and
I have all most sworn
off even writein home
any more if I knew over
[page 2]
If I knew you had not
Started me a letter yet I would
find my oath but as I
have a better opinionn of
you I will try you a little
longar and see if you think
any thing of me I dont know
that you have mutch right
to think any thing of me but
Still if you dont I think
you could write me onse and
a while any how I think this
will do on this subject so
I will stop these remarkes &c
Cis I will now give you a
sketch of the times I can in
form you that we have the
most rain and snow I ever
Saw it is raining and snow
ing now the wind blowing &c
[page 3]
As for rations it is like
Pap Sayes what we draw
what we by we maket it do
I guess we make the wild
onions git up and git.
We fish a good part of our
time that is a vary good
traid mutch like whare you
live we jeneraly have
fishermans luck a wet ass
and hungry gut &c &c
Governer Vance is in our [1]
Brigaid he was to Speak yesterd
the weather would not admit of it
then to day to day is worse than
yesterday and I dont know
when he will Speak.
I have news from 53rd as
late as 27th March the buoys
area all quite stout and harty
[page 4]
I Saw P.W. J.E.L. with
others of your acquainances
yesterday they are in good health
My Self with A.j. are vary
Stout and harty
I trust hope you Father Mother
and the rest of my friends
are all in good health &c
Write me as soon as you git this
give me a long and interesting
letter let it contain the impor
tant news from home and
wilkes give me the account
of our privat affars &c
As I have no news to write
I will Soon close
I remain your
Affectionat brother
Untill death
Josaf Jones A. N. Proffit [2]