Leon June 26th 1863
My dear Grandson
		      Your letter of the 10th of June
was received in due time. Thanks to an 
Over ruling Providence that you have escaped
the dangers of the bloody battle field and
and still live to be a comfort to your
dear friends at home and God grant
that you return to your loved ones
un harmed. Now I can think of you
only as a little boy sitting upon my 
knee or tottering about the floor and
now you are a man and a brave
one too I know your letter. That is 
right prove your self a man in every
sense of the word. “Neve falter neve
waver, but keep an aim in view”
Remember that tis for the “Old flag”
you fight. Fighting to sustain the best
government that the world ever [seen?]

and I know that you realize what you
are doing for when we hear of a soldiers
dying we considders that they die in our
stead you are fighting for your dear
mother and sister Grand parents and
all who cannot fight for their own
liberties and how thankful I am
that I have two such grandsons
those who do not fear the scoffs and
jeers of the copper heads (or democrats)
of the North I am glad that you are
so kind to your mother Be good
to her for she is the best earthly
friend and your brother too. You must
have been happy to meet two brothers
in different regaments. I tell you it
does not seem like strangers to hear
from you. I do sincerely hope and pray
that you return home an if you do
come and see us now we shall certain
ly look for you. How much better 
we feel about you than we would
had you committed some crime
Had you done anything it bring shame
upon your or your parents name
as some one of our towns people 
have and have first been tried

Ann Marshs husband (John Brown) has been
sentenced to States prison. Brother
[Marshs?] folks live in the [Alder?] Bottom
are well I believe. Delop folks live
[crossed out] [on a f] near us are usually well
Your grandfathers health is not very good
He has the rheumatism considerably
would like to see you very much
There were some soldiers from the 37th
N.Y. Volunteers returned to day to their
home and friends. Eight started two
years ag one five have been discharged
and two came home to day. One
brave fellow has died and a more
noble fellow never lived and a
finer patriot never died and what
a lonely place that house must be
that loved one gone but time hastens
and I must close Now do write
often as you can for we are anxious
to hear from you And now with
much love I subscribe myself
	You self Affect
			Grandmother
				Jane Barstow

[written very faintly in upper right corner]

(PS) I suppose we are
going to take the boats tomorrow
and leave Old Mississippi
they say we are going North
I shall write again on the
Boat Please write often Mother
and be in good cheer I [never?]
[have?] ben in better Spirits 
since I left Home
Give my Love to
all Friends and except
this in [Leave?] from your 
Son B F Marsh