Camp of 39^th Reg't Mass Vols

Dec 29^th 1864

 

Mrs L Kemp

Madam

              Last evening Mr Moulton handed me a letter from you, and I have taken the liberty to answer it, as well as I can. You have been informed that our Regiment have just returned from a raid into the enemy's country, and that Mr Kemp your husband started with us, but is now missing; We know nothing certain as to what has become of him; but I do not give up all hope of seeing him again; he was verry much tired out while on the march, and I advised him to march with the main body of the troops in the road, instead of marching with his Regiment who were obliged to march through the woods by the side of the road, acting as skirmishers for our Brigade; he did so, and got along very well, until the second day of our march back towards Camp, when it seems he got behind the column and I fear he was taken prisoner by the Rebel Cavalry; he was seen that day by some of the men in the Reg't. two or three others were taken on that day, and I think we shall some time hear from them all. Your husband was verry anxious to do his duty, and has been a faithful soldier; since my acquaintance with / have had every reason for respecting him; And I am verry sorry that I am not able to write to you that we have heard from him; should the time ever come, when I shall be able to give you any inteligence, I shall do so with great pleasure. Trusting that Mr Kemp is still alive and will soon be restored to you and your family

 

I am verry truly yours &c

John D Reed

Captain of Co I 39^th Mass

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