Head Quarters

2^d Regiment

Harpers Ferry

May 2^d 1861

 

My Dear Henry                                                                                             

                        After 2 weeks of hard work and much confusion I have a few moments in which I may write you. Leaving Balt as I did in your absence, there was no opportunity of conferring upon subjects mutually interesting to us. I deem it now proper and right that I should ask your views as to the future. My future is with the South. I have made application for a Commission in the Confederate Army with the hope that I may be of some service in beating back the Northern barbarians. Maryland must bide her time until aid comes to her. After the Southern Army has taken all the forts / held by Northern troops in the Confederate States, Then if Maryland wishes to join the south, I am unwilling to believe that the South is so wanting in chivalry as to refuse her aid in acquiring her independence. Especiall as hers was the 1^st Blood which was shed in the cause. In the mean time what are those in M^d favorable to the South going to do. I say let them come south at once and that will ensure aid to them in the end. As to business I presume nothing is doing and I can see nothing but poverty stoning you and me in the face. Would it not be best to sell what we have got, pay our debts, and divide the balance if there is any? Or would you prefer moving to some new locality south and / commencing anew. I submit these views to you. I thought when I sat down I would have time to write but I am now ordered out and must stop. When I arrived here I sent my poor afflicted wife and Children to my Fathers and have not seen them since. I have fared as soldiers fare slept on the floor, and have undergone vexation, hard work, poor food and sickness, but all this I will gladly bear and more for the good of my country South

 

Write to me

Your firmly attached friend

Ranson

 

Direct as headed—

 

In the re-organization of the

Army of Va. our Regiment becomes

1^st Infantry. direct accordingly

                                    R

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