Head Quarters 10th Mich Vol Inf
	Camp on Island No: [Seventy Six?]
	Bridgeport Ala October 3d 1863

Dear Brother Freddy
		Although it has been
some time since I was made glad by the receipt of a letter from
you yet I propose to write you a short letter this Evening. 
	We are encamped on an Island in the Tenn river.
which is reached by Pontoon Bridges.
	A sad occurrence took place here the other day of
which you have probably seen an account in the papers it was
this on a hill about a quarter of a mile from our Camp
was a large quantity of Ammunition mostly shells. there were
some men loading this into wagons to take to the front
when by accident they droped a box. which exploded setting
fire it to a large pile which contained several tons which
exploded. with terrible effect. destroying the whole amount
as well as causing the death of a number of persons and
for several hours this firing continued which had all the
appearance of a great Battle it was a grand sight but 
one that I never wish to see repeated.
	I received a letter from Augustus some days
since at the time he wrote he was not very well.
	I hope you will continue in good health and


patiently pursue your studies at school untill you become
a great scholar but I have no more time to write now.
	be a good boy and do as Mother tells you
and write soon	Ever your dear Bro: 
		Edwin Holmes

P.S. tell Mother to send my letter in those adressed 
Envelopes or as follows but not as the last one was.

		E. F. Holmes
		10h Mich. Inf.
		R.C.
			Edwin

Frederick Holmes