1. When there is no punctuation in the document, it is added in brackets if needed for clarity.

2. The notation [sic] is used to indicate a misspelled word if needed for clarity.

3. A blank space, i.e. ________ indicates a word in the document that is not dicipherable.

4. The capitalization style in the original document is copied.

5. Square brackets, i.e. [ ] are used to indicate an addition by the transcriber to clarify meaning in the original document.

6. Underlining in the original document is repeated in the transcript.

7. An attempt is made to keep editing to a minimum to preserve the often unique character of the original.

-Mary D. Edwards Summer 2000

.

Campt [sic] Near Winchester, Va.

November 15th 1861

Dearest Kate,

I recieved [sic] your letter a fiew [sic] days since. and it was with pleasure to me to open it & peruse over its contents[,] It was with sorrow that I read of the death of Miss Kate Hall & Miss Sarah McCadden but our loss is thare [sic] Eternal gain[.] Miss Kate was my most intimate friend while I lived in Greenville[.] I saw a piece in the Newspaper Composed about Miss Kate[.] I Judged that Mr. Monroe was its auther [sic][.] it was a very good piece[.] Your Brother John has been sick for three or four days & has gon [sic] to the hospital in Winchester [.] I hope he may soon recuver [sic] his former health[,] I think he is taking the fever your Cousin Abe had been complaining for some time past; but looks harty [sic] at presant [sic]. Brother John has returned from the hospital he was sent to Richmond[.] I was very glad to see him as I could,nt [sic] hear from him [.] he had the Typhoid fever & looks quite thin yet[.] he had not reported for duty yet. I got a pass to go to Winchester the other day evry [sic] think is ver_ [page torn the town

[page two] is not crowded like it was in the spring[.] I will try & give you a short account of our march to the Valley[.] Our Company was on piket [sic] that morning had very little or nothing to east; we recieved [sic] orders about ten Oclock A.M. to pack up & march to camp or distance of two miles when we got thare [sic] evry [sic] thing was packed up & ready to march[.] we had to carry our blankets & overcoats[.] the regaments [sic] was formed at half past twelve & took up the line of march at one O.clock[.] We got to Manassas about five O,clock [sic] & rested thare [sic] a while, then marched to the Junction & loaded our bagage [sic] on the cars. we did,nt get started before nine[.] we ware [sic] packed in the cars like cattle[.] we had no seats but the bagage, and those on top of the cars ware [sic] exsposed [sic] to the cold & rain[.] one of Capt Roberts men fell of [off] the cars & was brused [sic] so that he died next morning[.] it was said that he was drunk & walked of [off] the top of the cars, we got to Strawsburg [sic] about daylight, unloaded our bagage [sic] cooked of our breakfasts & started for Winchester[.] it rained hard all day[.] I do believe that one forth of the regament [sic] ware [sic] drunk[.] we had gotten in about three quarters of a mile of Winchester when we recieved [sic] orders to turn round & go a mile & camp [page torn] & officers refused to obey [?]

[page three] the order[.] the Colonel swore he would be obeyed & drew his soard [sic] & ordered his Brother to foward his Camp. but he would not move so the Colonel ordered him under arrest & told Simbs to take the Command of the Comp & the Lieut. refused to obey the order[.] Capt Harman then went out and talked to the Col, he had understood that we had to go back to Newtown a distance of five miles[.] as soon as he learned better he ordered his Comp to moove [sic] of [off]. & the regament [sic] followed. I was smartly excited at the time of the fracus [.] the Col struck one of Harmens men with his soard [sic] a grate [sic] many of the men ware [sic] getting out catriges [sic] others fixing thare [sic] bayonets[.] I exspected [sic] nothing but a big row as the Col. is not loved by any of his men. I know you are tired of this uninterresting [sic] letter[.] my health has been very good till late I have had the head ache with chills & fevers. I hope though it may soon ware [sic] of [sic][.] I hope theese [sic] fiew [sic] lines may find you enjoying health & happiness[.] Excuse me for not writing sooner & I will try and do better next time[.] you said you wanted to know if I kneede [sic] any socks[.] I have three or four good pair but would receive [sic] a pair from your hand with the gratest [sic] pleasure. I wrote to your Paw about [page torn] of pants

[page four] Give my respects to all enquireing [sic] friends, nothing more at present write soon to your true & omble [sic] friend W.F.B.

PS. So good by, my mess

are calling me to Supper

& you may know the

night is coming on.