Camp of 18th Mich Vol Infty 
Decatur Alabama 
Aug 15th /64 
Dear Sister Malvina 
I see 
there is two letters of your hand 
Writing. in my possession. that Remain 
unanswered, Parden my negligence, 
I think we are as well. as usual. 
but some are not Enjoying very 
good health. but it is the Sickly 
season of the year. My health is 
very good. James I have not seen for 
3, or 4 days he is not with the Company 
at present, he is on duty across 
the River. so is also A. Crandell, 
A.Carver is here, his health is not 
very good. since he came of the 
River, Byran is well. him and 
Myself just came of Picket. .
you gave your Opinion 
of the War in your last. I dont 
know but it is to much as you say 
our Brave Leaders are to apt to 
defend to much on their own Strength 
to think they are capable of managing 
the affairs of our Country without 
the aid of a Higher Power, 
I believe their is a higher Power 
than that of man interested in this 
Conflict. & that Right will prevail 
Eventualy, although it may take some 
time to subdue our opposers 
but I think that I can see that 
it is drawing nearer to a Close 
may God Speed that glorious day when 
our Nation shall again be at peace. 
when we can return to our Homes 
& Dear Friends. 
Nearly Every Day, more or less 
Deserters are arriving at this [illegible] 
their ranks must become Weak
You wished to know what I 
thought about Reenlisting. the 
fact is I do not think much 
about it. I hope it will not be 
necessary agreat while longer [crossed out word] 
for any body to Enlist. & I consider 
the old Contract as binding yet & 
why renew it, by doing so it keeps 
others from the field, because it 
Counts on the number that is to be 
raised there. 
I guess I had better close for I cant 
think as much to write to day 
the Weather is very warm here. 
I feel a little Sleepy today being on 
Picket last Night. the Mesquitoe kept 
me awake to much to Suit. [illegible] 
[illegible] to much. they are very large & 
very [illegible] but Enough of this 
Excuse this poorly composed letter 
& write soon as convenient. Love to all 
Your Brother.. Albert W. Barber