AD 1861. AG the 23rd. Camp McCall
Dear Mother,
I take this time of writing to you to let you know that I am in good helth at present and still hope these few lines may find you enjoying the same gods blessing and hope he will be with you threw life and you with him threw eternity. Mother, you have had some experience and know what sogern life is , thare for it would be nouse to tell you mutch about it, but still thare is one thing about the American sirves, that is thay never flog any that is bnot known in our cuntrey, but thay have a way of puishin the negligent if not present at role call. Thay are duble duty and for the misconduct thare compeled to dig a stump out of root and for refusing to do what you are told, you are sent to the yard house. This is 6 o’clock on Sunday morning, thare for don’t suppose are out of your bed yet, so youmay se that I have not forgotten you yet Mouther. I came her contrary to your wishes, but not with a desire to disregard your councle. The reason that I came was I thought I was douing rigth. My country cald and I went. If I fall it will be a conslation to them. I love to know. I fell on the rigth side, but I dou not think that will be my lot, but God only knows and with him, I will leave it for the present. Mouther, you know the requested me to dow a little business for you befor I left home. I talked to John before I left home about it. He said he was willing to have it fixt a cording to your wish at aneything. Dear Mouther, you spoke of me sending you my digeriytipe. That is out of my power for the present. I am four miles from the City of Washington or any other town. The distance is not so mutch, but to get a pas is the truble. It may be that I will get one some of these days, then I will send one. Wee have recived orders to beredy to goon picket to day at tow o’clock this after noon. There is carchly any wee to tell you any thing about my liking soldering. I have said that it is not so bad as I thought it would bee. Must close this letter. I intended write Peet to, when I come to write, but the orders to the orders to go on picket, spoils my calculations for the present. Peet if you intend to soger any, now is the time to commence. If you was here to see the strips of boys that is berforming a solders duty. You would be a shamed to say you was a fraid to try it. Bill told me in his letter that was the reason. So you said you would not come a dew for the present. Giv my best respect to all. I remane your, A Penman.
John Macetire have just this moment arrived in camp. Gave me a letter from Ab.
