May the 11^th 1862

Camp Magruder Near Kinston N.C.

26 Reg^t N.C.V. C^o H

                       

Dear Sister

I received your very welcom letter a day or two ago. I am only in tolerable go health at present I feel rather dull today. I hope this may find you all in good health. I have nothing of much importance to write to you. I want you to let me know how you are all comeing on farming this spring and what for a prospect you all have for making crops this year. this conscription law has fastened us into the service so that it is not known to me any thing about wen we will get a chance to go home the Yankees are doing all they can at present to subjugate us they are now invadeing our soil with about 900,000 men as larg an as has invaded any people but I have no idea that they can whip us we have not near that number in the field but the south can if necessary raise about one million of men between the ages of 18 and 45, but I think their is men enough between 18 & 35 to keep the yankees off untill they get tired of the game /

 

their came in some telegraphic dispaches this morning that Beaureguard has has attaced the enemy near Corinth and gained a most brilliant victory and also that Gen Jackson has compleatly routed the yankees gaining a brilliant victory. there nothing of much intrest going on down here only our pickets and the yankees are frequently having skirmishes our men brings in some every week I was on picket a few day ago but saw no yankees I was out two days I have been on picket several times. our camp is but a few hundred yds from the town of Kinston. I recd a letter from cousin J. M. Deaton a few days ago.

 

may the I must close by ading May god in his divine providence be pleased to bring this war to an end soon and grant to influence us all with the holy spirit and help us to live as we should may god grant to shield us in this troublesom time from all of satans darts and when thou see fit to call us to eternity own and bless us and save us in heaven for christ sake Amen

 

my affections and best wishes to you all

Noah Deaton

 

P. S. the M^cKinnon boys are both in good health

 

address in care capt C. C. Dowd

 

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Please write soon as you can give all the news

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