Newbern N. C.
July 22d 1864
Dear Jennie
Your kind favor reached me some ten days since Also Ettie’s answer. I did not reply immediatly for the reason I expected a furlough previous to the expiration of my time and thought I should see you before a letter could arive But I now find that I can not get away untill after I am mustered out which “Grand Event” will take place on the 3d of August
I have not decided yet what my future course will be, nor shall I decide / until I go home.
My position here would be satisfactory as regards pay, but the Army under the present state of affairs is becoming heart sick and tired of the shody speculaters and political aspirants who are now governing it and unless there is a change at Washington this fall, the war will bid fair to continue on untill the Confederacy is an established fact and Davis on the throne.
It is reported that there is a heavy force of the enemy at Kinston and an attact on this place soon would not be surprising preperations / are being made, however with the handfull of men we have here, to defend it as long as posible. Our regt. has suffered teribly since they have been with Grant having lost over half the Officers and men.
I have made enquires in regard to Liut Wells of one of his friends who was with him untill the last he tells me that the Liut was perfectly concious that he could not live having his sences untill the last moment and dying the death of a Christian.
Please answer this as it may happen so that I shall not get away from here until the 10th or 15th August / Remember me to Ettie and your Father and friends.
Excuse me for closing so abruptly but remember that I am the Same
Charlie