Head quarters 29 reg

army of the

potomac. Febaury the 24 1863

                                                                                                             

Dear Friend william it is with great plasure I now write to you your leter found me well & on picket I was glad to hear from you I got it day before yesterday but hant had time to answer it till now I had made up my mind that you had forgoten as they was such a bein in this part of the cuntry but I did not disspair I thought you would rite when you got time they ant much goin on here now it is very quiet here now the snow is a foot deep & it is very cold for this part I wish I was thare to hunt with you I am quite sure that I could picket a fox / dont you think they will be a chance for me now had is married ed hocum haves goodeel to say a baught it mabe he begengs his chance how do they get a long in austinburg this winter I dont think that the war makes much diference with you thare at least you dont wake up in the morning & find your fence burnt on your hul farm as they do here some times that is rough but I like to do it

 

                        Direct to Dumfries va

            29 reg  ovi Co C          T J Merrell

                        this from your

            friend T J M yours

                        truly

                        wiliam Root

SOURCES