Camp near Potomac Creek, VA

Friday April the 24th, 1863

He just returned from picket duty yesterday, was sent out after the rest of the Regiment had started and it was very difficult because it rained all four days. “We have just heard that Joe Hooker has been relieved of his Command and if true I suppose we will have to stay here some time yet the talk is that [sic- crossed out “Burns”] Fremont has got the Command of the Armey [sic] of the Potomac.”

“Dear Clara last night I received a letter from you stateing [sic] that you had got to move from fathers oh I hope it is not so I think they are onley [sic] trying to plague you or something else of that kind because it is only 3 or 4 weeks ago that they wrote to me that they wouldent [sic] think of you going away. I hope all may yet be well oh if I was onely [sic] home again how glad I should feel I would dance for joy if they onley [sic] would say that peace was declared. They say Hooker was relieved of his Command for Refuseing [sic] to cross the Rappahanock at Fredericksburg and also refusing to move the two years men in the armey [sic] are haveing [sic] great times here at present. Conserning [sic] the two years men the Zouaves and the 14 Riefuse [sic] to move and all the nine months men.” Hopes she isn’t frightened by the photo he sent, it doesn’t really look like him and he wants to send her a better one. Is anxious to hear if she got the 40 dollars he sent. He is sending her two dollars in this letter which is all he can spare because he only has 5 dollars left after getting his picture taken. He hopes if it doesn’t cost too much she could send one of her and the children to see if they have “altered any” since he left. “I hope my folks will think better of letting you go away from home. I felt so bad I could hardley [sic] keep from crying for I cant bear the thoughts of your [sic] leaving there because if you go away from there and be taken sick with the Children I don’t know of any one who I think will be so good as mother to help you. Tom got a letter from Julia last night the first for a month and he was awful mad because his mother rented them rooms of Julias he said after we was gone our folks will misuse our wifes and turn them out of doors.” Lengthy closing. “god bless you my Dearest and onley [sic] loved one and may he in his wise judgement [sic] protect my little ones. May your days of trials and sorrow be turned into days of gladness and Rejoiseing [sic]”