Camp 84^th Reg'^t P.V. Near Petersburg Va. Sept 28^th/64

 

Dear Cousin,

                        Geo W Jacobs;—

                                                            Your thrice welcome Epistle is at hand I was much pleased to hear from you & that you had got so as to be able to be about again I hope you are quite well ere this time Well Cousin I do not know that my letter will interest you much for I have no news of any importance to write at this time. We broke camp on Sunday eve last & marched about 1 mile to the rear, lay down & slept for the night on Monday morning pretty early we marched down the Rail-road about ½ mile & encamped. We now are laying in the rear I suppose held as reserves. But we still do picket duty. The Coulered troops took the place in the works where we left. Our Reg'^t is encamped right along side of the Railroad

 

There has been pretty favourable news from Gen Sheridan's Army. Also Gen Sherman's Army I have not seen an Official account of Gen Killpattrick Raiding into Georgia & releasing about 30,000 of our Prisoners confined there. But I hope that the report may be a correct one (as it is reported so) I think that would be quite a help to Our Army could we have that many thousands Old troops take the field now. I cannot see where the 800,000 men are that is in the field I think the one half cannot be in the field as you say / for I do not think that Gen Grant had more than about 40,000 to 50,000 men in his whole Army here that was about the first of this month The Armies have been reduced a great deal the last five months. Our Corps itself has lossed about 26,000 not including the last battle at [?] about a month ago where they lossed very heavy. We numbered then about 7000 only & when we started last Spring we had 36 or 37 000 in the Corps. that is quite a change for so short a time But the Army is getting recruited up some with new men. yet there are a great many leaving daily whose time has expired You said that you was glad to hear of the Promotion of Rob't. C. Lamberton and hoped the time was not far distant when I would have the honour of wearing Shoulder Straps. Cousin I do not think that I would accept any Commission would I have the priveledge to do so. I know as you say I have been with the Co. all the time & had charge of the Co part of the time But I was free from responsibilities (Except the conduct of the Co.) I shall try to do my duty but so long as I can But I will not thank any person for a commission would they give it me. I think I will soon have to close hopeing abruptly to hear from you I am pretty well hopeing that you may all be enjoying good health. Remember me to all my friends I will try & answer Cousin Marys letter as soon as I can

 

Excuse scribling & misstakes for I wrote this in a hurry

 

I remain as ever your afectionate Cousin       W^m. C Wolf

 

            Geo. W Jacobs                        mistakes for I wrote in a

                                                            hurry I remain as ever your

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