April 11, 1862

My Dear Wife

I take this oportunity to write you a few lines to let you know where I an at this time and how I am. we are in fredericksburg at this time we come down to town yesterday. I am well at presant except a cold. we had marching orders tuesday morning at seven oclock we march that day through the rain and mud from the camp down to town and through falmouth down to hopewell and staid there untill the next day about ten oclock and then march back to the camp through the mud rain and hail and when we got there we could have no fire to cook any thing that night and next morning came to town and we dont know what we went for yet have you herd of any Yankees near by lately when you were in town.  I would have give any thing to come down to have seen you but I could not get out to come what time did you get home that night. I am verry much obliged to you for the butter and eggs and bread you sent me. they made me thinck of home. I beleav I had rather stay at the camp than in town because we have more gard duty to perform. I was on last night for the first time. Elijah Nocksvile (Knoxville) died last night one of the largest men in the company .  J P Bloxton has not ben able for duty for a week on more but is better now. I want to try to beg of to come home in a few days if I possibly can but if I cannot get to come home and we stay here you must come to town.  we are at rendervoe at the no 2 hospital all most as same as penatencary. how is Farther and Mother and the rest of his family. you must send me word now you ant Pegy and Mary and the children are geting along. give my respects to all my frends if I have any but keep the largest portion your self and my little babys. nothing more to say at presant but you must write soon as you can. John T. Groves has got a verry bad cold. nothing more but remain yours truly J. W. Watson

 

 

(On page 4 just two sentences -- you must burnr everry letter)