Notes by the way

 

                                                                                                Goldsboro April 10^th 1865

Dearest Ina,

                        I wrote you a few minuts ago. Sherman's forces have at last found traitors to our country. while I am writing I can hear in the direction of Raliegh a distance of 2 miles from hear the booming of cannon. It animates me. We ar feeling well over the move evry thing goes off cheerful. yet we believe some one will loose a pressious life. I ask myself is it I. it may be but I have been protected when balls flew like hail and why not again. Evening 10 Oclock we have only marched about 4 miles and the boys have just lain down. I saw 8 prisonors. I have seen no fighting today. the I understand that only a portion of the 16^th A.C. is here. I am well hope you ar /

 

April 11^th Our force went in camp at dusk. Nothing very new transpired today only the burning of one small house with cotton and one large mansion. It looks barbarous to me. A voice just called William. sir sed I and a letter poped in my tent. it is from home and written by you date April 1^st Your letters come quite regularly. We must attend to mess worshop and retire. All well. Good night.

 

April 12 This morning we had our guns stacked and was ready to march. while we were waiting for orders an aid came dashing along the line with hat in hand and his probossos wide open. and from it proceeded the good tidings Lee has surenderd to Grant. confusion seased upon all. we all felt glorious you may immagin how we felt 

 

April 13^th Evening nothing new has transpired today we ar within 8 miles of Raliegh. Johnson gone. I am very tired have marched hard

 

April 14^th I am now at this hour 2 Oclock seated in my camp tent which is piched quite cloce to the City of Raliegh. The news has just been recieved that Grant parolled Lee and his army. many of the men cursed and swore teribly about it they would rather face Lees army and hear his screaching shells than submit to such a course. there is much disatisfaction today among our men that came out to fight it dont show much cowardice. I hope it is all for the best. I am well only am tired and my head aches. All quiet Dont know where Johnson is. Evening the mail will leave in 5 minuts. Good night.

                                                                                    Ever your William /

 

The man (Wm Troyer) was 32 yrs old when he wrote some of these letters in camp—

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