[Penciled in on top of Scan 1 11-4-63]

Nov 4th 1863 Tennessee
My Dear and much neglect
ed Parents. I now take the
time to write you a few
lines hoping it will
find you enjoying good
health I am as tough
as a knot and guess I shall
stand it as long as the
war lasts without any
more Physic at least
I hope so we are all
in good spirits for all
the enemy are within
Bombarding distance
our pickets and theirs
are within hailing distance

verry probable you have
heard of our falling back 
across the Tennessee
the rebels are on the south
side and we occupy the
northern there have been
quite a number of their
men deserted and came
over to us and they report
that there is two Divisions
of the rebs. I have seen
Gustavus and Emerson
and had a good long
visit with them they
both like Soldiering
verry well Gustavus
is second Corporal

Emerson is as tough as
a bear and is the same
boy he was left when
he left home he has
been in several fights
and has not got ascrach
yet. I have had no letters
from you since the 8
of last month. but I 
got one from Grandma
dated the 10th and
I was glad to hear 
from her tell her to 
write as often as I 
can and I will do 
the same write as often
as once a week and tell
me al the news. when 
you write send me
enough soda to
make some pancakes

say two or three table
spoons full. Soda is
verry scarce here and it
costs from one dollar
and a half up to two
dollars. we expect to march
before long for Chatanooga
or some other good place
we have draw no pay
yet no more at present
good bie from your
ever true and loving
son Israel G Atkins
	Directions
	23d Regt M
	Co H 23d Regt Mich Inft
	2d Div 2d Brigade
	23d army Corps
	Louisville Ky
	U.S or uncle sam