Harpers Ferry Va Mar 11 1863

 

Dear Parrents

                        I now sit down to pen a few lines to you to inform you that the Captain and myself are as well as usual and I hope this may find you all enjoying the same blessing It is with sorrow that I write you the death of John Herron a much respected member and one beloved by all of our Company. He died in General Hospital this afternoon thus has passed from earth the third member of the new recruits of this Co He was Cousin to A. L. Williams 

 

It is wednesday night the day appointed for Charlotte's and Benjamins Wedding and about this time 7 Oclock in the evening I dont not you are all enjoying yourselves finely and have a goodly number to enjoy it with you and the Captain and I would like to be there too but it is impossible situated as we now are for but Uncle Sam says we must not go away so we will content ourselves to remain where we are. He has issued another Proclamation giving the deserters the privilege of returning between this and the first of April / with no other punishment than stopping their pay while they have been absent and this gives them a fair chance to return if they want to We did not receive any letter from home to day and I guess you must have forgotten the mail or else have been so busy preparing for that wedding that you did not have time to write I think they slighted Hice and I very much in not as much as even giving us an invitation to the wedding But we take it as a joke and I wish them much joy and a happy life to them both 

 

The drum has beat for rool call so I will have to think about closing my scribling which will puzzle you very much to read as I have written it in a great hurry this from your affectionate son in the Army who often thinks of the loved ones at home.

 

Kiss Julia and Hattie for me and tell them I would like to see them

 

Cha^s.W. Personeus

Co. G N.Y.V. Eng'rs

Harpers Ferry, Va

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