that I am well and hope these few lines may find you the same. we came on borde the united states steam ship S. R. Spaulding, on thuresday Laste. At the warves of Elixandria we are laying Anchorde, in the cheapeek Bay 8 miles from york Town. we expect to have a great battel at york Town. General George B. M^cClelland sente in an order yesterday afternoon at 3 oclock to the rebbels to surrender. they refused to do so. he gave them till four oclock this afternoon / noon if they would not he would attact them. I hope that we will all come out of the battel safe. I am verry uneasy that I do not hear from you since I had a letter the other side of manases you stated that you wer sick. I would like to know how you are getting along know I sent you a letter from the other side of manes I got no answer yet so write to me as soon as you get this and let me know how yourself and the child is so no I have told you all I know so good by my Dear wife & child till I hear from you again /

 

From your everloving

Husband          John Black

            Direct

            John Black

            Co D 96 P^enna Vols

            Washington DC

            2 Brigade

            Gen Franklins

            Division

SOURCES