Head Qrs 26^th Regt N.C.I.

Near Culpepper C. H. V.A.

July 25^th 1863.

 

My Dear Wife:

                        When I last wrote you I had not reached my Reg't I reached it on the day after I wrote you. the Reg't was near Bunker Hill V.A. when I reached it twelve miles North of Winchester. I assure you that it was very lonely since so many of the Reg't was killed and wounded in the late battles in P.A. The Reg't had about nine hundred able for duty when they went into the first days fight. we now have about 195 men in the Reg't a great many of those that are missing were very slightly wounded and will return to duty in a short time some of them are prisoners.

 

                        As to news I have none of much importance to communicate though there is a great many groundless rumors afloat in camp, one saying that the yankees had captured Charleston S.C. which I cannot believe until I see some officers / account of the surrender of the city. I have been trying to get to see Branson for the last two or three days but I have not seen him yet. I heard directly from him yesterday he was enjoying good heath at that time so one of his Lieuts informed me. I intend to see him in a short time if I have an opportunity. When I was at the Co^s Shops I subscribed for the Christian Advocate for you I wish you would inform whether or not it has been forwarded to you. If not I will write to the Editor.

 

[paper fold] I left home though I am sure you have written before this but the reason I have not got them I have been moving so much that it is very uncertain about the mail. I suppose that I will get a letter soon as I am very anxious to hear from you.

 

            I do not know how long we will remain here, nor where we will go to when we do leave, but I suppose that some of the troops will go further south in a short time if there is nothing of importance takes place in this part of country

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