[illegible in original] November 8th /,64
		Dear parents
It is with pleasure that
I now sit down to inforv
			 m
you of my health. I am
well and hope these few
lines will find you the 
same. I just recieved your
verry welcome letter of
the 31st of last month
and was astounded to hear
that Pa was drafted
I dont see what they
mean to draft such men
[as?] he is. now Pa you
want to know if I will
inlist for one year in
your place. Ma says dont
reinlist on any account
and I am on the fence

and dont know which 
way to jump but if
I can clear you by reinlist
ing and ma says so it shall
be done and I will go
in the same co and regt
that I am now in but
I am afraid it cant be 
done as they want the
men now: ten thousand
dollars would not be a 
temptation for me to inlist
again but I will do it if it
will keep you out of the
army. Get mas consent and
it shall be done if it can
be but I dont think it
can. and more over
                                     take
I think they will not [crossed out] [take]
you but you have my
promise if it can be on
the condition that I

have named. write as soon
    as you get this and tell
me all the news. I have 
only ten months to serve
now and it is hard to give
up liberty for a year longer
if you are compelled to come
come to my regt and company
and I can do a good share
of your duty and make it
lighter than it otherwise
would be. now a word to
ma. if pa is compelled
to come you must not feel
to bad on his acount for
it would be needless. and
dont worry about me why
you should see me I am as 
fat as a hog and tough
as a man can well
be so be not over anxious
about me for I shall

look out for number
one no more at present
Good bie.
	I remain now as
	ever your loving son

		Israel G Atkins

[penciled in at top of Scan 5] [11-8-64  x]

Dr H.A. Atkins
Locke Ingham Co
Michigan