April 26^th 1863

Camp near Hookerton N.C.

C^o H 26 N.C.T.

 

Dear Father

We have at length come to a halt for a few days but when and where our next move will be depends upon the movements of the enemy since we left Goldsboro we have done a great deal of hard marching and generally waded all the creeks and swamps which are many and wide deep and very muddy sometimes we traveled night and day considering what we have / undergone it is surprising to see how well the men looks I believe it is the best for soldiers to be without tents we have not had any since we left Petersburg Va and health is far better than when we had tents. there is some little complaint about short rashions but we get 1 lb. meal & ½ lb. meat per day and I find it a plenty to live on though I could eat more at times it is about as much as one ought to eat.

 

a detachment of men left here yesterday evening to hunt deserters it remains secret as to where they are going I would / not be surprised if they would turn up in Moore County some day I hope they may soon return and perhaps I may get a furlough then had it not been for deserters from this company I would have been at home on furlough at this time

 

            the spring or season has been very late in this portion of the state the woods is getting green now there is but little wheat made down here but what there is looks very well and is heading out in some places

 

we have not been in contact with the enemy since the fight at Blounts Creek below Washington N.C. /

 

Hookerton is beautiful little vilage on Big Contentny Creek Green County N.C. 14 miles north of Kinston

 

            My health is very good and also the company is in excelent health at present I trust this may find you all in good health and hope that the time is not far distant when I will be permited to go home to see you all write soon

 

address to Goldsboro N.C.

 

May God ever extend mercy to us and protect us under all circumstances. your affectionate son                                                             

Noah Deaton

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