Washington D C Feb 8 // 63
	      [illegible] V Co I "6" Regt Mich Cavalry

		Estemed friends uncle
	your very friendly and most
welcome leter is Recived with great
pleasure and content notice tho I have
delaid writing on account of my busines 
being so urgent but I have a very litle
time to spare on this beautifull sabath Day
My Dear uncle you have spoken of many
things in your leter that I will not be able
dwell very lengthy upon but I will [illegible]
to give som reply tho it will bee very short
as my health is a little [illegible] from
constant duty Sturt I have ben compeld to
perform for a few weeks past all the offices
in my company have ben sick and very sick
indeed tho they are recovering sloley [illegible] never
will be able to do military duty again
he has recived and is expecting to leave for
home in a few days  Uncle you speak of many
difrent disasters in our army I must confess
there are som very sad ones indeed but I have
often herd it said that the darkest hour
was just before daylight I think myself
that wee have had traitors to lead our brave
[illegible line]
and a great many men are coming in
and taking the benefit of the homestead
law but I will say that it is a hard place
for old men but I would advise yung men
to go there for then a home it is the place
for smart active laboring young men  They
cant help but do well tho I don't wish to
advise [illegible] and to go ther for if they don't like
or did not do well then they would blame
me for their misfortune it is getting late and 
I must close this leter for I know what I have
written will not interest you for it has ben
written in a great hurry I have but little time 
to write and it is now eight oclock at night 
and I have a number leters to write on business
besides a good deal of Company Records to fix out
before wee leave here wee have number men in
the Hospital that I have got to make them a 
[illegible] list so that they can get their pay
if I am not here I desire to have every thing correct
on the part of my men if you Recive this you
will ablige my very [illegible] in Replying to it at 
your earliest opportunity and if I have any experience
in battle and com all right I will write you
the hole [illegible] about my seems you will
give my regards to all of my friends and
acquaintance and ablige  Truly yor most obedient servent
				Liet R. A. Moon