Monday May [faded] 1862.

 

My dear Colonel.

                                    I left Hilton Head in [faded] before she sailed. [faded] go up to the regiment, [faded] much. The trip was by no means pleasant. We put in at Fort Monroe and I went home by the way of Baltimore. I called on Mrs. Metcalf on Wednesday last in company with Lt. James. I found James strongly disposed to join his regiment and advised him to that effect. I saw Ellis who has obtained an extension [torn] his leave, so he informed me. He is [torn] to obtain a captaincy in some other regiment. He railed a good deal about Turner, but he was talking to the wrong man on that subject.

 

I also saw Mason & Richardson. The former is looking for a chance to go out again. Funsey / [faded] it? The latter frankly acknowledged that he had made a great mistake and that he would give anything to be again a Lieutenant in the regiment.

 

            I have visited Washington and been [faded] remain at home a fortnight or so. I will probably leave for KeyWest [faded] of the present week.

 

            I saw [faded] a moment at Portsmouth Grove—he appears to be very well and must have, I should suppose, a very pleasant time there.

I shall be very happy Colonel if you will drop me a line at Key West.

 

Please present my kindest wishes to Capt [torn]. I shall write him before I leave if possible.

 

            With best wishes for the regiment and yourself personally I am dear Colonel

 

Very sincerely Yours

W. P. Martin

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