James Island Neare Charleston S.C.
Apr. the 25, 1863
Deare Cosin having just had
the Honor of reading your most affectionate
letter wich Found me well as common & I
was sorry to learn that you was not
enjoying the Blesing of health those few lines
leaves me well as common & I hope that those
poore pitiful lines will reach you enjoying
good health. I having no news worth worth
relating to you I am now Pasing my
days off in a most a cruel & Bitter way
But I hope that I shall soon Be enjoying
myself as well as ever I did But I see no prospe
cts of it soon Deare Cosin Fell very much like
I do not ceare what comes it Seems to
Me as I had just as soon Be Dead out of my
Troubles as to be heare it seemes as my life
is Perfect Nusince to me I am not nor
neve will Be as I have once in my life do not
surpose if I eve it is mor than I antisipe
ate I neve will enjoy the good ole North
state a gain I never expect to see it
But once mor & I Shall then Be
[page 2]
After my things never can I Bare
The Idia of staying there though I hope
I shall enjoy myself as well some were
else if it Please the almighty in his good
will I hope that I shall Be able to meete
him in pease if I do not enjoy myself
on earth I know that I have not don
my Duty towards his commandm
ents But I hope I will be able to lead another
life I hope you will excuse Me for my shor
letter for as I told you in the Former
I had nothing worth relating to you so
I Beg to be excused & I also have no
time 1 minite will the male leave
I expect you will regare this as
contempt But I hope not so
must come to a close I have had
the Honor of addressing my most
hyly & esteemed cosin I remain
as eve your until Death
W,R, Best