Camp 51 Regt N,C,T, Near Wilmington
N, C, May the 30, 1863
Deare Cosin after a long time silence
I now attempt to write you a few lines
wich will inform you that I am well as
common & I hope that those few lines
will Reach you well & all of your associates
& Relation I have improved very much
since I saw you last & I hope that I will
still improve I have the pleasure of inform
ing of you that I got to camp Monday
morning without Being punished &
I hope that I shall be able to do so
again For it does Revive me very much
to See home & I would of Bin up
thir this day & tomorrow at your
meeting if it had not Bin for moving this
time I could of stayed until monday
night I do not expect I will Be
able to see all of old Duplin any
more I wish I could But no chance
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Cosin I have Drawn the song
you Requested of me But it is
so sorrly Don I do not Believe you
can Read it But I hope you will
be able to accomplish it I have no
news worth your attention so I will
not contemplate I have enough in
the letter when I get the Ballet in
I hope to see you some time
and all other that are So neare
unto me I must close By asking
of you to give My Respects to
all inquiring Freinds if
any after heaving a large potion
for your self I close after having
the honor of addressing my
affectionate cousin
I, Remain your as ever &c
W, R, Best
give my love to you know
who &c