yadkin NC Feb the 18 1864
Dear son I seat my self to drop
you afew lines to let you now that
we are all well and truly hope
these few lines will find you
enjoying the same Blessing we
received your kind letter to day
the 18 and was more than glad
to hear from you and to hear
that you were well dose us a heape
of good I have nothing new to
write to you only I will tell you
the guards killd ell ble[??]
[???] last weak tha shot him
in the back and the bullet came
out through his breast he fell
and never got up no more tha
are out now hunting deserters
this weak your pap is not out
this time tha did not send for
him [????] we heard from you
last sunday by Mr macy he sed
[page 2]
he thought you would get to come
home this spring to recrute up
for he thought you was not able
to do any marching I hope if
you are able for duty you will you
get to come home a while I think
it would be agreat help to you
I gave your socks to Mr Macy he
sed he would carry them to you we
heard about yankees coming apon
you I am afraid tha pester you
agood eal before tha are done
with it I will say to you that tom
hunter is dead he died last
saterday at kinston my ink
is so pail I am afraid you
cant half read my letter but
I will try and do better next time
you must rite soon and often
and I will do the same no more
only I temain your loving Mother
untill Death Molly Tesh W A Tesh