[Penciled in at top of Scan 1]

		12-16-63
49        

[End]

Dr HA Atkins
Locke
Ingham Co
Mich

	December 16th E Tennessee
		My Dear and much
Loved Parents it is with pleasure that
I now sit down to inform you of my
good health and Spirits we are in
a tight place here we have had
picket fighting for over two weeks and
some sharp fights but we have worsted
the rebels [after?] all. I recieved a letter
from you the 15 of this month stating 
that you was well as usual we are not
within 4 or 5 miles of the rebels
and expect an engagement before long
I have been where Bullets whistle But escaped
unhurt we have had three men Killed and
two wounded out of our Company
the ones killed were Charles [F?] Beard of
antrim a Charles A [Jamisson?] and H P Hildreth
of Courrunna I am hopeful that the war will
end before long we have drew our pay but
I dare not send any now for it is verry
uncertain whether it would ever reach you
or not and I hate to lose it but I will send
you some as soon as it will go through
safely. tell [illegible] I will write to her as soon
as I posibly can. you must Keep up good
spirits and hope for the best. look on the

bright side of things and all
will come out right I am sorry
to hear of John Morgans escape
but I guess he wont bother us anymore
you must not worry if you do not hear
from me once a week. no more
present so Good bie from your loving
son I G Atkins. Kiss wilt and [Gram?]
for me good Gie

	I G Atkins