Brother                                                            Camp Near Lowell                 Oct 18^th

 

Here I am in camp feeling very well and am well contented I expected to have come home before now but thought I would waite A spell longer there is talk of going off next week but I dont believe it I should not be surprised if we never went there is A great many men in my tent that I am well acquainted with men that are older than I am have left their farms for war we have some good sings Evenings or we have books and some good Singing I sleep between the two crum boys nights and they are good boys I think I shall come home next week but I want you should write me to day and I shall get the letter to night if you can get A chance I wish you would send me A shirt although I have bought one since I have been here Humphy & Ben were here yesterday/if you send I am in Company E Acton we marched to Lowell yesterday but we did not break ranks. [?] was here yesterday that Briggs boy that lived with the old man [?] is in my tent don’t feel of writing today if you want me to come home before the last of next week I will come but to save Expense I will wait A spell have you herd from Marlboro if so write what it is I am setting on my bed writing on an old chair I shall send my Coat and pants home the first chance

 

                                    Yours

                                                J.M. Billings

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