[Written sideways on left-hand side of top of Scan 1]

T.H. Brownell
     Petersburg Va
March 3, 1865
Ans March 19 /68.

	Co A. 20th Mich Inft in the trenches in front
		of Petersburg Va March 8th 1865

D M Bagley Esq
		Dear Sir
		          Yours of Feb 25 came duly to hand
	         h
and I was hig^ly gratified to hear from you once
more and as it is rainy to day I will attempt to
write a few lines to you. which I fear you will not
find verry interesting as there is nothing of interest
occuring here at present to write about
We hear through Rebel deserters that Gen Sheridan
has captured Early and his entire force and has
Occupied Charlotteville. which if true is good news
Deserters continue to come into our lines in great
numbers Saying that they are the true peace comissioners
One came in a few nights ago who said that we would

Soon have to use Short range guns or we would Shoot
across the Confederacy and kill our own men and
a rebel Colonel came in and said that the confederacy
	        to
had all gone ^ H**l. but the Richmond papers Speak
verry encourageingly of their prospect. It seemes that
they are going to whip Sherman and Grant in
detail and establish their independence. but I
confess that I cannot See it in that light
     I recd a letter from Miss Annie Powers a few days
since  She was at Leavenworth Kansas was in good
health and likes the Country verry much.
I have not heard from Matilda in a long
time. The weather has been verry wet and rainy
for some time past and it is verry muddy
remember me to the boys at the State Offices
and elsewhere and believe me
	Yours Truly
		T.W. Brownell