Dear Parents,

I hardly know what to write. I wrote to you soon after I received your letter, but have received no answer.  I do not know whether you got it or not.  I am not very well.  I have just got over the measles.  I do no do duty nights.  I was sick abed for 2 days.  I went to the hospital.  I came back yesterday.

There was 15,000 troops at Annapolis.  They are embarking as fast as possible.  They are to join the great expedition for the south.  Sherman’s Brigade is with them.  I don’t know but we shall go with them but I guess not.  I suppose when the expedition goes south it will do something terrible.  We have got about tired of staying here.  We should like to go somewhere.  There is a story we are going to Annapolis tomorrow but we cannot tell till tomorrow comes.

We have received 11 days wages, $5.63.  We are to get two months pay at the first of November.  There was a paper that come for me when I was at Annapolis.  It was sent to me but I did not get it.  I suppose it was from you.

I do not think of any more to write.  Write as soon as you get this and give us all the news. Electa and Adaline, I want you both to write.  Goodbye for this time.

From your son and brother,