Harpers Ferry Va
March the 20th 1863
Dear and valued Neice,
As I may not have the opportunity to write to you soon again, I thought I would begin to pen a few lines to you this morning. last saturday, at 3 O'clock PM our regiment received marching orders and in one hour from that time was far out of sight on there march to Winchester, this being supposed to be there place of distination. brother George went with them although he was very unwell at the time. we have heard from them since, but nothing reliable. some say that they are safe at Winchester and quarterd in houses there, others say that they are coming back here again. / but I dont think so, for as we have taken up the line of march, there is no telling where we will stop. I was not able to march with them so I and the sick of our regiment are here yet, besides some sixty others of our regiment that was on duty at the time that our regiment marchd but we all expect to follow on as soon as we can get transportation, and this may be before this reaches you. But as soon as I get to my Regt or eny place that I know I will be long enough for you to get a letter to me I will write and give you my address. Lizzie has been down to see me she came down the 4th and stayed untill the 9th. I spent my time pleasently while she was here. she is now in Baltimore and expects to stay there untill the 24th I received a letter from her the 18th with her picture inclosed. it is a very / true one. she sends her love to you and your mother. when I get home we are a going to visit you she says that she wishes to see you and your mother so bad, and wishes to become acquainted with the rest of the family her and I talked much about you when she was down, but I havent time to tell you now but she says that you feel as near to her as a sister.
I wish that I could see you I have so much to tell you, that I havent time to write. I received a letter yesterday from Wes, I have answerd, they are all well, he is going to fish this spring again. Mother is now at your Uncle Williams on a visit and expects to stay a week or two yet. please excuse this short cool letter with all it's impurfections, give my love to all and dont give yourselves eny uneasyness about us, hopeing this may find you all in good health I close for the present
I remain as ever your most affectionate
Uncle Corpl Hamilton
6th Regt Md Vols
to Anna
P.S. Inclosed is a ring that I made out of a beef bone please excuse it as I had no tools to finish it. I will make one for Sallie the first opportunity.
farewell dear Anna.
Hiram
this ring is for you Anna