July 12^th 1863

In Maryland 5 miles from Williams Port

 

Dear father      By the help of the almighty I am thankful that I am permited to drop you a line or two which leaves me enjoying very good health and I trust it may reach and find you all the same as reguards health

 

the capt left me on the south of the Potomac in charg of some baggage which I had to secure before I could cross I reached the Regt night before last at a late hour and found only 10 of my company and the capt

 

we have been in line of battle ever since yesterday morning our pickets commenced fireing yesterday evening and continued untill dark we expected a general engagement this morning but up the hour all is quiet on the lines except some distant cannonadeing the fight may open at any moment but I hope and / trust to the Lord that the enemy will not attack us if he should may the God of battles be our shield and hideing place and our strong fortress against our enemies who are stronger than us in number

 

many of my dearest friends has lately falen victims to the missels of death. John McKinnon was wounded mortally and died I was first told that William McKinnon was mortally wounded and lef on the field but I am told since that he went through the fights untill the last day and was left on the field either killed or wounded I wish I could write more but but have not the chance nor time now. I may soon have to share my lot in a great battle which now thretens us I pray the hand of the lord in his devine providence may still preserve me though many as good as me by nature and far better by practice has recently fallen victims to death but may they all meet in heaven where there is no more wars nor troubles we must soon follow and let us strive to sucure our salvation for Jesus sake

your affectionate son untill Death

                                                                                                                       

Noah Deaton

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