Aug 3rd 1862

As Lewis Nash is going to leave for home this eve I have concluded to write some more. I have had fever for two days caused from [a] cold which I spoke of in the first of my letter, but it has left me for good I hope. Am taking Quinine today. This is the first sickness that I have had for a long while.

The health of the Co. and Regt. is somewhat improving. We have moved from the [woods] to and old field where it is much more pleasant owing to the breeze that is continual. We have bush shelters in front of our [tent] flies and I think this place much healthyer than in the woods.

Well love all the war news we have had of late is acourageing. Our forces are gaining ground at many points, and where they are not they keep the ivader scared by the frequent and successful rear and flank movements of our cavalry and Scouts.

The great discovery has been made since the repulce of the enemy at Vicksburg that these gunboats are not so terrible after all. Our land batteries surprise the enemy on [the] James river every few days and [nearly] scare them into fits. If they continue to annoy them, the upper James will soon bee cleaned out I believe.

[It] is believed that the greater portion of McLelane’s forces [have left] for some other place. There was a large fire in that direction last night, and I would not bee surprised at any moment to heare of his entirte evacuation. He is certainly convinced that he can’t get to Richmond this route.

Our forces drove him from all his entrenchments in the recent battles, but I have my doubts about ours being driven from the well planned fortifycations an entrenchments that encircle the Confederate Capitol. I think there will be no more fighting about here soon, but listen every day to hear of old Jackson turning himself loose upon the thieves up in the valey.

We have a new Caplain in our Reg. Dr. West, a Methodist, not much preacher but an industrious and good man. Has been to see every sick and wounded man that belongs to this Regiment the last few days. [Former chaplain] Farrish has not been heard of in a long time (can’t cry).

Well sweet one I [dreamed of you] last night, thought were in our garden and I felt as happy as I used to when that was actually so. I dreamed more about you but cant recollect what it was.

You spoke of leaving home if I did not get back this winter. I approve of that as I have before stated. If you can sell at a good price now any surplus property do so. Just reserve enough for us to begin with in case I get back. You know about what we commenced keeping house with. Don’t sell any of the cattle for it will pay to keep them if I should not get back in years. If we had our little stuff here it would bee almost a fortune but I suppose prices are verry good there.

Charles and Frank are well and as fat as bucks. [Company commander Alfred George Washington] O’Brien sick. Charles in [comand]—[company] are well pleased with him.

Tell [sister-in-law] Bettie [Campbell] I often think of her. Shes mistaken about the contempt. All that is wanting are words.

Newton