Bristol Elkhart County In^d May the 10^th /63

 

            Dear Son

It is It was 4 weaks yesterday that we Rec^d the last letter from you dated April the 2^d & we think the time very long indeed we doo; but we will try to stand it the very best we can; but we have twice since herd of your Marine Brigade; through the papers, first that you had a little fun with the Rebles but fortunately onley lost 4 of your horses & made the Rebels Ellett daddle in double quick time. that is right give them the unpreserved grape & dont spare the powder so they can take them by the bushel &c &c /

 

The next we herd from your Brigade was that you was at Mound City last weak; since we have not herd any thing of your whereabouts

 

War news was a little exciting for a few days past. Hooker got about 1/3 of his armey over the Rapahanock River & hamered the Rebles for a few days; but owing to a hevy rain & suden rise of the river he had to recross the river to the main armey again without caring out his well laid plans but our Boys all fought well. Especiley the Cavlery who performed some very daring feats such as taking prisners within 2 miles of / of Richmond destroying rail roads teligraphs canals &c&c.

 

But mark the canons are at this time Sunday Evning, firing in Goshen I think surley there is some very good news; for the flags I herd by a young girl, ware hoisted in Bristol this afternoon, but we will here in the morning & let you know all about it; shurley there is good news from quarter I expect Hooker given them Jessey in Virginia there has been much skirmishing in difrent parts lately in Miss Missouri in Tenn; & tis our Boys have done nobley indeed although there ware no very heavy Battles; but such as have been fought latley have had a good effect to / reduce Copper & Copperheads & all their kindred spirits much Buley for Genl Burnsides. he is tending to the Copperheads Last week he had Valandingham the Ohio Copperhead arested he is now being Court Marsheled in Cincinatti. I hope they wont be saving of Hemp for he has shurley richley earned a few yards of it we that is us that are loyal men are all in good spirits & our prospects are brightning every day for a speedy victory over the Rebels North & South our last elections have dune much to cool Copperheads but I must close for tonight the firing of cannon has comenced again for shure Perhaps at Pigeon, Bang Bang

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