Head Quarters

Independant Brigade

Camp Heintzelman

Maryland May 24^th 1863

 

Dear Brother & Sister

                                    I will answer your ever welcome letter which I received in due time and meant to have answered it before but I have neglected it untill now. Well to begin with I am as tuff and hearty as a horse, and I hope I may be so, as long as I stay in this army for it is a poor place for a fellow to be when he is sick. I have / been pretty well most of the time, except larst fall and then I was pretty hard up, but am all right now, and I think the Regt never was any more healthyer than it is now I have not much news to wright at this time only there are deserters keep constantly coming in from the rebs there was three yesterday. I went down to Edwards ferry yesterday with a squard of men to unload a boat we got back just before dark. it is about four miles there the deserters say they have fared hard with not half enough to eat and their looks show it to, and they all want to desert, but it is / hard getting away. I do not think they will or can hold out much longer but the sooner they give in the better it will be for them and have no more blood shed Well it is getting verry warm here I never saw it so warm or any warmer in Vermont. the heat takes hold of me pretty well but you know I was always verry easy to sweat; but I am as tuff as a brick for all that Well I must draw to a close for it is most dress parade. I think we sha shall move from here this week we expect to now

 

Write as soon as convenient

 

this from your Dear

and affectionate Brother /

 

and give my love to all Mr Davis folks and all enquiring friends

good by from

                                                            Joseph

                        Corp J W Fletcher

            Co H 10^th Regt Vt Vols

 

I kiss the baby for me and have Suly take good care of it

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