Head-Quarters Post,   

Aug 6 1865

Camp Near new Orleans

 

Dear Beloved Wife    

Having time this morning I will write you a short letter or you will think I am dead but not so my health is good but not so with a large number of the boys here the chills is very prevalent here and some small pox     Let I have very little nuse to write excepting that we remain here and no sines of mooving soon it is reported here that the French are leaving Mexico also that our Corps is orderd to be musterd out and orderd back but cannot tell how it is the troops are all down there but the 64 and 3 companies of 77 Pa Inft / there has been about half of the mules been shiped and but fiew horses

 

            I suppose you have heard of the boys deserting down in texas it is reported that 300 left at one time stole all the horses in the 3^rd Division and took all that could be had in the country and left but as a matter of corse took their guns and ammunition with them they were followed by Collored Troops but they were fortified and fought the Darkies kiled the most of them and then took their horses and left for the north I have not heard of them since I give you this as I heard it so you can take it for what it is worth and no more if it is / a fact you will hear more of it I have not heard of the Brigade since it left neather have I heard from you for my mail goes to the Brigade Head Quarters but I will write to you and will have yours when I go to the Brigade

 

            Concerning the weather here it has been very comfortable for the last 3 or 4 days it has been cool I donot know as I ever saw as wet weather I put on my woolen coat but there is a good breese going from about 8 till 4 the wind goes and comes with the sun

 

            Well Let as for our Corps being musterd out I am in hope it is a fact I am strong in the faith it will be but time will tell it would be the brightest days of my life where I could once more be with the choice of my heart and dear as life to me Let what a happy time it would be 

 

Well Let I must close but hope to hear from you soon you may direct to the company for the next 4 weeks to come

 

give my best wishes to all and self

           

I am your ever faithful

Husband

Frank Ashley

 

            2^ond Brig 2^nd Divis

                        4 AC

 

write soon

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