Dear Mother,

I have at last got my portrait taken.  I am well and hope you are the same.

We marched out in the country five miles yesterday with all our equipment and knapsacks on.  It came rather hard for us.  We went to Captain Foster’s quarters and took our knapsacks and ate dinner and had a battalion drill in a large field.  We went through all the forms of war--retreating and advancing, firing all the while.  We had a pretty good time.  We were pretty tired when we got back.  We all washed our feet and slept with our stockings off during the night.  

My feet was very sore last night but this morning they are all well.  My shoulders are rather stiff.  Our Lt. Col. took command of the companies.  He said we done first rate.  We shall have to take march pretty often now to get used to it.  It will be a very good thing if we have to make and long marches.

There is four companies on picket.  They have got log shanties built.  They have very good times.

We are going to have  Enfield Rifles.  They are on the way from Massachusetts.  The flank companies have got Sharpes Rifles with saber bayonets.  There is nothing more about going away from here.  We shall not go with Burnside.

I have not seen Uncle Charles yet.  I should not know him if I should see him.  I will send you papers such as we get out here.  I don’t think of much more to write, so goodbye for this time.

From your son,