August 7^th/62

Petersburg Va.                                                                                                

Co H 26 Regt N.C.T.

Genl Ransoms Brigade

 

William Deaton

 

Dear Father

With much pleasure I received a letter from you a few days ago and have not had any chance to reply untill now and as we are under marching orders and waiting for the word to march it is uncertain whether I will have time to finish this letter. we have been under marching / orders and marching about from place to place for two weeks not remaining more than a day at any place during that time we are below Petersburg on the south side of the Appomattox River there seems to be some movements pending in this section by both parties but I have nothing particular to tell

 

I was much delited to learn that you were all well and hope this will find you all in good health. my health is very good at present /

 

I expect you have received a letter from me before now I saw D. M. Kennedy when we wer about leaving Drurys bluff but had no chance to write a letter to send by him this is the day of election N.C. I hope that D.M.K. and Col. Z. B. Vance will be elected our Regt will regret to loose their noble commander but are willing and anxious for him to be placed in a higher position which he is qualified to fulfill and he is as true patriot as we have in the South /

 

Our tents were moved here yesterday and it is probabaly that we may stay here about for a short time. Mr Simon N Seawell was in Petersburg the other day so one of our boys said. there came in several of our prisoners today that was taken at Newbern and I understand W^m Whitlock of our company was among the number. I must close May God be with us and help us in all times of need and fit us for the comeing judgement and crown us heirs with christ.

 

your obedient son N. Deaton

 

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Write soon and often as will be convenient

 

W^m M^cKinnon is in the hospital yet but is mending slowly and perhaps will soon return to camp

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