As I haven't written to you yet, I'll try to write you a line this evening, which must suffice for the whole family; as I haven't time to write to you all by our mail. We have but little news here, less I believe then we had in Kenansville; for we are not allowed to go out much and we get but few papers here. In my last letters to mother I said that we had been ordered to Weldon, and would be off the next morning; but in an hour after I sent the letter off, the order was countermanded, and we are in Raleigh yet. You've heard this corrected though no doubt before this time. Our officers have all gone to Weldon today to an election of field officers. We've had quite a cool time ever since we came here until a few days ago; but its warm enough now, and I believe continues to get warmer. We had several showers of rain this morning which created a considerable bustle among the soldiers in trying to keep their furniture; as our rooms generally leak a little in hard showers. I was around the others night during a shower by water dropping in one ear.

Enclosed, I sent you "The Volunteers lament". The author's name is made public; but his familiarity with Raleigh camp life would induce one to believe that he is a volunteer himself.

I haven't anything interesting to write; so I'll close for the present by requesting you to answer this soon, and I'll try to write more at length in my next. Remember me to all the Limestone [?] folks and tell them I' like to hear from them all.

I have so long neglected to answer your kind and interesting letters that I'm almost ashamed to acknowledge its receipt. I have no reasonable excuse to plead for my neglect, unless it's retaliation for your neglect. But never mind that, — since I've fallen into the sin of procrastination myself, I shall have to quit quarreling with other people about it. I have no interesting news to communicate. The health of the company is tolerably good at this time. The weather has been exceedingly warm for several days past until yesterday, when we had some refreshing showers which cooled the air considerably. Today is quite pleasant, and the atmosphere seems to be greatly improved by the purifying process through which it has passed since yesterday morning. It is still cloudy and looks like more rain. Last Wednesday I paid a visit to Gosport navy yard. It is enough to make a person's blood boil to witness the destruction caused there by those cowardly "Yankees"; for such they must have been, else they could not have had the heart to desert so strong a post, and destroy so much valuable property.

A day of retribution will come, and, I think, is now close at hand, when with pain their thoughts will recur not only to the navy yard, but to many other dastardly deeds they have perpetrated all along the Virginia frontier. I think without doubt the abolitionists intend to use every exception to overrun Virginia. There is a report here that Lincoln has sent word to the women and children to leave Norfolk, and that he already has a fleet on the way to take it. And then when he sends his legions into Virginia will that day of retribution come for the thoughts of his country's wrongs will stimulate every Southern man almost to superhuman exertions, and show the "Yankees" that there's quite a difference between fighting Southern men, and destroying unprotected Southern property.

Tell Nick, I'd like very much indeed to have him in our company, but I think he joined the cavalry from philosophical motives, and he'd better stick to it; for I guess he'd find it rather troublesome to carry his enormous corpus on a "foot pad". I'm truly sorry for his horse.

I'd like very much to see that new dining room of yours, and still better to dine in it. I'm glad to hear that you were pleased with the provisions we sent you. We had need so many favors from Duplin in the shape of cakes hams biscuits so that, we thought it would be really ungrateful not to acknowledge thanks in some way. Don't you think our cooks will be able to get high wages when they return home if they'll only back some specimens of their camp cooking?

You and Ellen must take good care of the chickens, turkies, and the garden, and give us a "big dinner" when we whip the "Yankees" and go home. It's morning again — one of those good old steady rains which has the appearance of lasting the balance of the week. How long before Tom will be off to the wars? I reckon he's quite anxious to start; but I guess you can't well spare him too.

Tell cousin Susan I haven't forgotten her yet by far: I intend to write to her soon.

Give my love to all the folks, and write soon and tell me how they are all getting along. If I neglect to answer your letters so long again, you'll do me a favor by writing another to remind me of it. That this may reach you all in the enjoyment of good health and cheerful spirits is the earnest wish of

For the past few days we have been receiving news of a very interesting character from the vicinity of Manassas, and as I haven't yet answered your kind and interesting letter of the 16th Inst., I thought I would write you a few lines, to send by B. Southerland, as he expects to return home tomorrow morning, giving you such accounts as we've read of the wholesale slaughters(not battles) that have been going on within the past few days. I reckon you have already rec'd accounts of the battle of the 18th at Bulls run; but the principal battle — one, which, if the accounts we read here are true, surpasses anything of the present century — was fought yesterday at Manassas. In order to be brief about the matter, I enclose you a copy of the "Day Book Extra", containing the principal outlines of the battle. You perceive the communication is represented as coming from Pres. Davis himself who commanded the centre of the army in prison. The right and left wings were commanded respectively by Genls. Beauregard and Johnston.

Notwithstanding this statement is said to come from the Pres., I reckon we ought to make some allowance for the time at which it was made out, as the document itself contains some things which seem to be rather inconsistent. Still, I think, there is no doubt but what there was a hard fought battle, and that we gained a decisive victory. The citizens of Norfolk are everyday expecting an attack upon the city by Gen. Butler. It is said that he has twice made preparations to attack the city; but for some cause or other postponed it until another day.

We have had some of the hardest rains, and the most of them, I think, that I ever saw in the same length of time. If you folks don't watch out you'll have to move out on the hills or go on a privateering expedition. You folks must quit talking about furloughs to go home on, as they are something rather difficult to be obtained at present unless we are going on particular business, since we don't know how soon our service may be needed here. Tell cousin Nellie that she must move down to Hallsville when Mr. Sprunt leaves home; for I know she would be better satisfied there with the rest of the family. If Kittie is still at Hallsville ask her what great crime I've committed to justify her in neglecting to answer my letter. Tell Nick that if he don't make haste the Yankees will all be whipped before he gets off. Some of our fellows seemed somewhat dejected this morning; because, as they said, they were afraid the Yankees would all be killed before they got here. Give my love to all the folks and write again soon. Tell Ellen to write too.

Since I read your kind letter, which came to hand several days ago, we have been so busily engaged in moving, clearing up camp and parade grounds so that, I haven't had the opportunity of writing, consequently yours is still unanswered. Our plantation isn't finished yet; but as today is Sunday, and even soldiers are sometimes allowed to rest on that day, I concluded to write you a few lines. We — at least the most of us — came to our present encampment last Tuesday. We found it almost a wilderness, and set to work to clear it after marching eight miles. Our present location is in some respects better, — in others not so good as the one we left: the shade is fine, — but the water bad. The Elizabeth river is in sight, and by going down to the shore you can see some of the Yankees blockading fleet, Craver Island, Newport's News, the remains of the Hampton, SC. Sewell's point battery is about 1 1/2 miles from us; but we can't see it on account of a crook in the beach. The Yorktown alias Patrick Henry has been living off the coast for some days — but not in sight — waiting for an opportunity to run the blockade and come in. I reckon it is probable that she'll remain there until the floating battery, which is being constructed out of the old Merrimac at Norfolk, is completed and brought to her assistance. I fear she's going to have a hard time of it, as we can see large numbers of Yankee vessels passing in and out from Newport's News almost every day.

I think we are now in a fairer way for meeting the Yankees than we ever have been before. It is believed by everybody about time that they are without doubt preparing to attack Norfolk, and I heard Capt. Kenan say last night that if they didn't attack us soon, we would probably attack them in Fortress Monrow. Whether he gave this as his private opinion or spoke from authority, I can't tell.

It seems as if our troops have been "hurting" some more of "uncle Abe's" men recently both in this state and missouri; but I reckon you have already seen accounts of their doings, so it would useless for me to give the details. We named our camp in honor of Col. Fisher who fell at Manassas.

E. Southerland's health isn't so good as it used to be. There are now several cases of measles in our company with that exception I believe we are tolerably healthy. Gene is on guard today, and Ned has just brought in a couple of watermelons which he bought from some of the carts that bring them in here for sale, so I reckon I shall have to close my letter and help him eat them.

I burned your letter as soon as I read it, as I do all the letters I receive, since I have no place to keep them. I sometimes keep one until I answer it; but I now haven't any at all. You must excuse bad writing as I have a poor chance for that business, and I've been digging and grubbing so much recently my hands have got so sore that I can scarcely hold my pen.

My love to all the folks. Write soon.

P.S. If you see anybody in Duplin that wants any ditching done please refer them to Capt. Kenan as he has about one hundred men engaged in that business and will soon be out of employment.

Nothing of very special importance has transpired in this section since we moved to our new camp; but as it has been some time since I wrote to you, I will try to write you a few lines this evening, giving you such news as we have, which consists chiefly of doubtful rumors.

Our new encampment is near the Elizabeth River in a finely shaded place which was a perfect wilderness when we came to it. Since our arrival we have been almost daily going through a regular routine of police duty in the way of cutting down bushes, grubbing up stumps, hauling off trash and digging ditches.

Our place now begins to look more like living, and/if you will come to see us you will be quite well pleased with our new plantation.

Among the "doubtful rumors" afloat here, one is that we are soon to have a fight with "the Yankees". It is generally believed that they will soon make an attempt on Norfolk, and if they don't, "report says" we are going to attack Fortress Monroe — rather an arduous undertaking but I believe it would be a "move in the right direction", for if we could succeed in driving them from there, I think they would conclude to let us alone.

Gen. Wool took command at the Fort a few days ago, and it is believed that there will now be a little more activity in the "Yankee camp". Another of the "doubtful rumors" afloat is that our regiment is to be sent to Missouri. That is a trip we would all like very well, and I think it would be very proper to send more troops to the aid of the oppressed ones who are there struggling so hard for liberty. Ever since the beginning of this struggle I have felt a great interest in Missouri — it reminds us so much of our country in the time of the Revolution, when it often happened that (next) door neighbors were deadly enemies.

I think it would afford me a great pleasure to be instrumental in ridding Missouri of even one of those vile traitors whose conduct stamps them as even worse than the revolutionary tories.

Notwithstanding we would all like the idea of going to Missouri yet I hardly think it would be prudent to send off too many troops from here where we are almost in gun-shot of thousands of the enemy.

Capt. Kenan and several others from our company went down to Sewell's Point to-day, and from their report on their return, they must have had quite an interesting little time. While they were at the battery — or fort that it is now — they saw a Yankee steamer round the point at some distance off; this, our men at the battery understood to be sent out for the purpose of giving signals to enable the guns at the Rip Raps to get the range of the battery.

When our men had got about 200 yards from the battery on their return, they heard the report of a heavy gun at the Rip Raps, and almost immediately the "whizzing" of a shell nearly over their heads. The noise continued for some seconds; but they were unable to see the shell which struck at some distance beyond them without bursting.

In five or ten minutes more there was another report succeeded by the same "whizzing" noise. This time the shell fell and bursted near the battery, not more than 10 or 15 paces from a sentinel on his post. He seemed apprehensive of no danger whatever, but continued to walk his post as though nothing had happened, while the men ran out from the battery to gather the pieces. Two more shells were fired — the third fell without bursting — the fourth bursted about 150 yards from a house in which our men were taking dinner. The Yankees have fired over 100 shells at the battery from first to last without striking it with a single one.

Many thanks for the nice cake, and bottle which you sent me. Give my love to all the folks and tell Mag I'm anxiously expecting a letter from her. Write soon.

Your letter of the 30th Ult. came to hand in due time, and as I neglected to answer your former one, I'll try to answer this one before I forget it. I have no news of special importance to write, but in the scarcity of that article we are having an abundance of rain. I wish you could have had some of it during the drought in Duplin.

There seems to be something of importance going on near Alexander's from the reports we receive here. The latest accounts say there had been a battle in which there were over 100 confeds. and about 500 fedls killed and about 300 fed'ls taken prisoners. We just now heard 15 guns fire at regular intervals in the direction of Sewells point battery. I guess it must have been a salute in honor of something; but what it was, we can't tell. When we first heard of the Hatteras affair, we had some hope — of being sent there; and indeed a report to that effect was currently circulated; but now that hope is about crushed, and I believe we are stationed for the remainder of our term. Tell Mary Susan she owes me a letter. Give my love to all the folks, and write again soon, Excuse haste and brevity.

I was at the village today and got a letter for Barbara from Tammy and you may depend upon it I did not want to get home to hear its contents, but snatched it open as soon as I left the office so anxious was I to hear from you and oh, how thankful I feel that you are both spared this long, you need not think I am indiferent as to your welfare because I do not write, no, no, I think often of you everyday, and my anxiety increase as I hear of your near approach to the enemy. Several weeks have elapsed since I heard of your whereabouts, I have been to Hallsville only once since you were here and that for only one or two hours, but your father came over on Saturday to see Barbara who is sick and he told me where you were, in fact we heard last week that you were in Richmond, I wish you would write every chance you get if only a few lines to let me know how you are, we heard last week that a company from Duplin had been cut to pieces, through the inefficiency of its officer which caused us to feel very uneasy, so I packed up my dad, and your Aunt and Barb cooked a good many nice things to send you and I went to the Rail Road and there met Ben Jones who had started on the same errand but heard at Kenansville that the report was false so I came back home and your uncle Thomas went to Goldsboro when he learned that Keney Southerland was missing, poor fellow, I trust he has not been killed, but may yet turn up again, I am happy to hear of Henrys coming out safe, Tommy mentioned about Nick seeing him, if I thought I would be allowed to do so I would see you all before two days, if you can suggest any plan by which I will be allowed to visit you I will certainly do so, if there is nothing to prevent, though Aunt Mag and Barb are both prostrate, Aunt Mag with her old complaints and Barb with hers, the latter some better today than she has been for three days past, do let me hear from you my dear boys, and if you have to go into battle don't go in as the horse rushes into battle, but be valiant & look to God who alone can bring you out safe and who can give you the victory over your enemies. I feel much anxiety as every true Southerner must for the safety of Richmond, and should you be permitted to strike a blow in its defence, may the Lord of battle renew you to strike with the strength of a giant and if ever you should feel like shunning the white feather just ask God to renew you afresh for the onset and fight to the death rather than give up. God help you both.

I write you a few lines this morning to let you know I am well. We have nothing but war here now nothing but the war of Cannon from day to day — we had a hot time on Morris Island Saturday evening at Fort Wagoner, we lost three men killed and four wounded Robt. Carroll Geo. Groves & Elisha Bostick were killed & Bryant Bowden Jas Jones Hogan Hunter Kennah James Francis Garmin was shot in the leg a night or two before the fight so it had to be amputated I am afraid that Yankees will take this place before they quit. I hear the Yankees treated you all bad when they made their raid in Duplin write to me and direct your letter to this place and give me all the particulars. I will close for the present as the paper is damp and the pen had so I am fearful you heard from Frank Cately I have not he in her as the yellow fever and but very little from any of you since I was home.

I read your letter last week & was very glad to get it. I would have answered it Saturday but I was on guard. Our reg't was also on picket that day so that they were very strict with the guard & kept us at the guard house all day. Yesterday we rec'd orders to cook up a day's rations & carry it to the regt. as the Yankee cavalry, it was also reported infantry, was advancing. The Yankee cavalry drove Loman's Va. Cavalry brigade back across the river & charged down to the river but was repulsed by our brigade. Our regt lost 1 or 2 wounded. The 13th lost 2 or 3 killed & 6 or 7 wounded. I don't think we, the regt. in the brigade, lost any. The cavalry lost a few men killed & wounded. Adjutant McIntire got back from home a few days ago. He says there is a great deal of excitement in N.C. & that a battle was daily expected. You wanted to know if we get our letters & papers regularly. We do not get our papers regularly. You wanted to know how we spent our time now that we are in winter quarters. Except when we are on guard or picket we have nothing to do but drill cook & eat. The days do seem very long generally. You want to know if I think as much of Gen'l Hill as I did last winter. I do not think he is as good a corps as he was a division commander. I don't think we will cross the Potomac the coming summer. It is the general opinion here that the war will end this spring. I have heard it said that Maj. Gen'l Wilson seems to be confident that the war will end in less than 3 months. I don't believe it will last longer than the spring of 1865. I am very sorry that the people of NC grumble so much & seem to be so anxious for peace on any terms. There is a great deal of this sort of feeling among the NC soldiers of this army. There are a great many men in this brigade who would be glad if NC would go back into the Union. All of Co. "H" 34th Regt. (but 2 who had wives with them) deserted from the picquet & it is supposed they have gone to the Yankees. Hoping you will answer this as soon after you receiving it as convenient.

I hope you are enjoying yourself among all our good friends, and have given and received all the news going. You certainly had to run in a hurry. What did you do about Mrs. Flanagan's baskets and other things and also your own things which were scattered all thru the baggage? Till you know we have a long letter from Laurie which I think I will enclose to you. He has seen and suffered many things since we saw him, and has been safely brought through all. He has sent a parcel with some dresses but I have not got it yet but it is in the house in Wilmington. There is also word of a box for Uncle Jamie, but I have not heard whether it has come. He does not seem to have forgutten us in his trouble any way.

I have had quite a sick house since you left. Anna was taken on Tuesday and I on Friday and we had severe chills every day. I was quite sick till Monday but am now well again. Anna is not at all well yet. Her mouth has broken out sore and her tongue is very foul with just such a bad breath as she had when her teeth came out. I expect she will be better soon however with good nursing. The rest are all well as usual. Mary does very well and so far has been very willing and anxious to do all that she can. She has had a great deal to do, and has done it very well. Susie here is getting quite devoted[?] to her, and sleeps very well with her. She expects you to bring her plenty of grapes when you come! I miss you a good deal still we get along very well. I am only anxious all the time about the yellow fever. He writes he is almost alone in the store, but will leave should it get worse. I understand however that it is really yours now. These frosty nights will soon clear it off I trust. There is nothing new since you left. All our friends are well I believe. Mr. and May were here yesterday and brought me a nice present of butter. Mr. Morrison was here on Sabbath. Miss Miller [?] has been very attentive. I must now bundle off to bed as it is very late. Give all well sending my kind love. And tell Kittie I will try and write next week, and that I received her letter since you left. I will try and write Aunt Lucy also immediately. With best love

Jamie came down Wednesday but brought no letter and no news. He goes up to Duplin tomorrow and says he will return in a day or two. The Lilian will not be ready for Cargo before Monday week and may not then — meantime he is better in the country then here a great sight — If the Lilian returns to Bermuda and not to some healthy Port such as Halifax he is not to go in her as the yellow fever has got to St. Georges. Robert Williams who used to be with us and who ran the blockade until captured has got back to Bermuda and died of it. I cannot say yet whether they will send the Lilian there or not but whatever the consequences he cannot go where that disease is raging.

Mary went off today at two o'clock in good health and spirits to Fayetteville in the Hurt with Mr. Worth and will stay there sometime — I will miss her very much as she has kept house with great spirit and success — and for one thing kept down the bed bugs.

You said in your letter you wondered whether you would have a [words elided] you need not suppose that any body could think so. You have been a most dutiful daughter to your parents and brothers and sisters beyond all doubt and I always pray God to reward you for the same which also He will do — I hope Grandfather will take care and say nothing to the disparagement of your Uncle James' family as he has written me about some unpleasant matters since he (Grandfather) left there and which I will say nothing about until I come up — I cannot fall in with a horse yet I regret to say.

I feel very much to have to wait until tomorrow a week. The time passes very heavily. Have you not had any rain since I left? We have had some of the heaviest rains I ever saw down here.

Chall Morrison is here but could not get down to see his brother who he heard today is very sick. I spoke to Styrow to use his influence to get him a passport done but fear he won't get one.

Give my love to Ma and the Boys and Believe me Dr. Maggie.

I wrote you yesterday addressed to Hallsville enclosing a ten dollar bill to pay your passage down here when you are ready to come. I think it rather soon yet but if the yankees come it may be better to come along and stay on a night here, but I hardly think they are coming yet. I have not [?] heard of any new cases of the fever since several days — I had letters from Uncle Jamie yesterday to the 18th inst. He was waiting for Capt. Martin and an opportunity to get to the new steamer & may be here next month — He [torn page] sent a parcel or Baggage with Bonnets for you and [?] Mary by the Bat [torn paper] vessel I hear was [torn paper]. Those for your cousin [torn paper] safe and got to Kenansville.

Jamie wanted much [torn paper] get letters from home and from Duplin, but the vessel that takes them starts tomorrow so there is no time. I am very sorry to hear that your uncle James is so with chilles. This is [torn paper] day of humiliation here for Wilmington — all that have shut their stores improve to time [torn paper] set apart it will be [torn paper].

Hoping to hear that you are well. I remain Dear Maggie

I wrote you to Kenansville and also to Hallsville the letter enclosing ten dollars.

Have some prospect of going up home for a day or two on Saturday week 12th inst. so you can make your arrangements accordingly and let me know what day and what train you will come by. I suppose Kitty or some one is coming with you.

There is no case of fever here nor has been for a week past except that one that went to Magnolia — Give my love to all up there

Allow me to introduce to your acquaintance my friend B.F. Hall, Sergt, in Co. 'A' 43rd Reg. N.C.T. who visits Wilson for the purpose of getting his Furlough extended. He has been suffering with chronic Diarrhoea since May & has been in the Hospital in Richmond for six weeks. He has been home for about three weeks and his health has improved considerably within that time. Mr. Hall volunteered in the first company from this county (Capt Kenan's) in the beginning of the War, and from what I can hear, has been punctial [sic] to his duty.

He is an honorable, moral & worthy young gentleman and any statement he may make, you may place implicit confidence in. His brother (the only One) is now at home wounded very severely & as he is unable to perform Military Duties would greatly prefer to remain with him rather than in a hospital.

A happy new year to you dear Maggie. Don't you feel happy when you think that Wilmington is still safe, and in possession of our own peoples and don't you all feel thankful to our Heavenly Father for his kindness to us in protecting it. Gen. Whiting and Col. Lamb seems to have risen rapidly in the estimation of the people since the repulse of the Yankees, and I have no doubt they deserve praise, but I wish I could see as great a readiness to acknowledge the hand of Lincoln who overruled them all, and managed the storm so as to overthrow the plans of our enemies. It seems to me nothing could be more conspicuous than the hand of Providence in that affair. But truly Fort Fisher received a rough Christmas greeting. Uncle Osborn and I spent the day very quietly at home reading.

I believe I read three of Newton's beautiful sermons and enjoyed it very much, but could not help thinking now and then suppose the Yanks should come along and get the book from me. The Kenansville folks were frightened at that time with the news that beast Butler with ten thousand infantry had his headquarters at Shepherdsville, and were expecting him up this way, I suppose he was on the fleet off Wilmington.

Your Uncle Jimie, Aunt Ellese, and Nedie were at home, Nedie quite sick, but is since better. The rest of the family were at Limestone and were expecting Mr. Brown and Archie Black but they did not come. So Frank was the only soldier the girls all had to fly round. Mr. Brown spent a few days at Kenansville week before Christmas and as Chri?sce, Kittie, and Mary Black were down here he and Frank came down and stayed one day and night with us. Mr. Brown looks about the same as when I saw him last, which was the first year of the war. Aunt Levina's, Aunt Linda's, folks and Mary took dinner with us Monday after Christmas. Then Mary went to Hallsville for a week and brought Barb back with her Monday to spend a week or so with me. Barb says tell you Nick was very glad to get your letter and intends answering it soon. Says she is knitting corsit strings to sell, and as soon as she gets enough money is going to see you. We want to know if Jimie was on either of those saucy blockade runners that came dashing into Wilmington in time of the fight. Don't you think they had a gay time of it.

Uncle Osborne is as despondent as ever. Tells me every day people are giving up hope of the Confederacy. I don't wonder at his feeling gloomy, cousin Robert is still a prisoner, and we seldom hear from him, cousin Jo is in bad health, and suffering from exposure in his company, and cousin Gibson now in service. But I feel sanguine as ever, and hope that the same hand that has upheld us thus far will lead us safely through. I expect to answer your mother's letter soon, and thank you for yours, and your attention to my affairs in town, hope you will write again soon to your Aunt,

I have been trying for some time past to get you word how Ned and I were getting on but I fear without success, judging from the dispatch which I read from you three days ago, requesting to know immediately how he was. There seems to have been something very singular about the dispatch as it was dated Selma, Ala. though it was from you. Ned says one of the hospital surgeons told him he was going to answer it, and insisted upon sending the answer back to Selma Ala., so I reckon you'll ever hear from it. Wm Bass, I understand will start home this evening, and I will try to send this letter by him, so that if you are still in Magnolia you'll get it right away. When I wrote you last, on the 11th, Inst., I believe, I was at Winder Hospital, but feeling a little stronger. I left there the next day. However as you might not have read that letter I'd better tell you what was the matter with me. I was taken with diarrhoea about the middle of May, but remained with the company until about the 7th of this month when I was sent to the field hospital where I spent a few days, and from there to Winder which place I left after a few days as I have already told you. When I got back to the army I found that Ewell's Corps had gone up into the valley or somewhere else, nobody seems to know exactly where. All convalescents and furloughed men belonging to the corps, coming in were temporarily organized into a Battalion and camped on the York River R.R. about five minutes from the city. But when our army commenced moving to the south side of the James to confront Grant who has transformed the scene of operations from Richmond to Petersburg, I did not feel well able to march as I still had the diarrhoea, and asked to be sent back to the hospital and knowing that Ned was at Moore hospital asked to be sent to the same one. I got here yesterday and occupy the bed next to his so that I can attend to the dressing of his wound and give him any attention

You need give yourself no uneasiness about him now. His wound is improving rapidly, he has a good attitude and gets plenty to eat and is well attended, and in fact is getting on well enough every way and will be able to go home soon.

As for me I shall get on well enough [illegible line] is good if I don't take some bad turn.

Did Peter get that roll of bedding safely to Magnolia that I sent by him from Goldsboro?

Write soon and tell me how all the folks are, and the general news.

P.S. wrote my letter before dinner, but to convince you that we are not suffering here for something to eat, I'll tear another leaf out of my pocket acct. book (which by the way is all the paper I have) ad give you our bill fore dinner: Baked beef, beans, peas, squashes, soup, cornbread ,and for dessert cherry pies green apple pies both of which were excellent.

Ned was highly pleased with his dinner and is in fine spirits since. He calls it "high living" and says if they will keep feeding him so, he'll soon be able to travel. But I expect you'll have to promise him apple and cherry pies before he'll come home now.

Of course we don't get sick [illegible line] the time, but it's always as good as you could expect in a hospital at this stage of the war.

I haven't much war news to write as we can't get the news well here.

The Yanks have been making [illegible line] within the last five days.

But have failed so far after losing thousands of men.

Nothing more. Write soon. B.F.H.

The latest intelligence we have from NC is not very cheering. It is even doubtful whether this letter will reach you or not; for one this you may be in the lines of the enemy; but, hoping that the state of affairs may not be as bad as it's represented to us, I'll write you a few lines relative to matters and things in general in our part of the Confederacy.

We left our quarters about ten days ago, and came to our present position on the night of our original line. I say original line, because the most of our troops have been withdrawn from the other portions of the line and brought down to the right; thus forming, as it were, a new line or continuation of the old one in order to confront the "Yankees," who have moved down this way, with the view, it is thought, of either Putting the South Side R. R., or forming a junction with Sherman after he marches through N.C.; and thus flank us out of Petersburg.

There are, however, a good many serious obstacles to overcome before all these grand resulots are accomplished: such, for instance, as traversing several hundred miles of hostile country in bad weather and worse roads, on short rations, and two armies to fight. But notwithstanding all these difficulties in the way of our enemies, our people — some of them at least — will despair and insist that we are whipped; and if they don't amend their ways, they — not our enemies — will eventually whip us. I know our prospects are quite gloomy just now, but they are not bad enough to warrant us in despairing of the cause.

If all the resources of the country were put forth as they should be, I believe we would soon have peace and independence. But enough of this subject for the present: as I am not talking to "disloyal" people, I'll talk about something else. I must, however, say that I've been both grieved and vexed at the conduct of our people recently, both at home and in the army.

The soldiers continue to desert in considerable numbers. Last Sunday night no less than forty one left the 25th N.C. of our Brigade in one squad. Several squads were dispatched after them, but didn't succeed in capturing any of them. Our company, by reason of our never having had a deserter, bears quite an enviable reputation where it is known; for, I'm sorry to say, that there are but few companies now in this army that can say as much.

It has been raining mostly ever since we came down here, but it clread off yesterday; and it's thought that as soon as the roads dry sufficiently, we'll have a big fight down here.

I'm very glad to hear that a good many of our prisoners are getting home. I've heard that Bob Southerland, J. C. Pearsall and the Bostic had passed through. I hope they are all at home and enjoying themselves unmolested by the detestable Yankees.

I've written I scarcely know how many letters home since my return, but yet read only two letters from you and one from Aunt Zilpha. One of yours was by Tom Davis and the other one and aunt Zilpha's by Steve . I hope is able to write by this time: of course, tell him to be sure to write to me soon; for I'm very anxious to hear from him. I wrote to him more than a month ago. I broke my tooth-brush after my return. If you see an opportunity I would be glad if you would send me one. I have plenty of clothes for the present. In fact more than I can take care of. I shall send home some of them the first opportunity, that is, if the "Yanks" don't get there.

We draw sugar and coffee now almost enough for our use, meat and bread rations are as good as we could expect. At any rate there's no danger of our starving so long as we get what we do now.

My love to Aunt Nancy, and Zilpha and Uncle William's family. I've written to Mary Susan. Write soon.

You will oblige me by sending with the bearer the young man that came to the office with you this A.M. The young man's name is Register I think. I would like also to have you call at my office at noon if convenient, or at sometime during the day when it will not interfere with your duties at school.

Your favor of 26th came to hand this morning, and I went up to Dawson's and bought a piece of cloth, which I could not get for less than $4.00. I bought some of it myself a few days ago. After looking all about, I concluded that I could not you better. It is very high, but I think will last very well indeed.

Dawson bought a lot of it a few days ago and it is going off like hot cakes, there are only a few yards left of it and that is engaged I think. I hope it will suit. I send 4 yards. Cloths of every description are very high indeed. Broad cloth $7.00 $8.00 and $9.00 to $10.

I am in a very indignant state of mind just now. As soon as it works off, will write you. A man for whom I have done endless favors, and saved a good deal of money for, which would have gone up but for one and for whom I did every thing in the would I could think of to get him out of a Yankee prison, just returned the other day and goes about slandering me, and making statements which his own black heart knows is false, and declares that I tried to keep him in prison instead of getting him out. I was under no obligation to him at all, and did these act of kindness merely because he requested me, and because I thought it my duty. And never received the slightest recommendation and didn't expect any.

I enclose a rect. for Bill of sundries which Jamie bought. The parcel is at the store where Lippit kept drugs in charge of Mr. Burr. I will see if some one going up will take it. Jamie has been very ill — is some better & will write you when he gets out of bed.