March 16 1863

 

            friend              w         William           I gout a leter from you some days a go but have neglected to anser it till now for I had so much to do. We are under marchin orders now I half to take time to rite rider martin is liutenent we dont like him much the boys is a packin up as fast as they can

 

            We hate to leave here

 

I guess we shall go to the frunt direct your leters to Dumfries as before /

 

            they are a goin to make Mules of us now in fact they always have when I am loded I will bray I will bet

 

this is all at

present

                        Thomas J

                        William W Root

 

            ps you must excuse me this time

                        I am C[?]ded up

poor ink           poor pen

poor riting

                        a men

SOURCES