Mrs . H.J. Holmes
Fentonville
Genesee. Co
Michigan

[Written upside down in pencil]

Direct as before to Cairo
Ill,

[End]

		Milldale. Miss.
			August 5th

      Dear Mother I received your
   kind letter some four days
since and have ben wating
to get on the boats as we
have expected to now for the
last week but I cant wait
any longer for I want this
letter on the road to you
for I suppose you are anxious to
hear from me again and
I am happy to say I am 
well and in the best of spir-
its. I think things look brighter
now than they ever have 
since I left Home. I think
Old Jeff and his whole insti-
tution is sinking out of
existence as fast as possible

[Written upside down across Scan 3 & 4]

Tell Freddy I will write to him
soon Give my love to him and all enquiring friends

[End]

and soon our bright Banners
shall float over the once
Accursed Southern Confederacy
and Peace will be restored to
our once happy Homes.
and thare will be many
a happy meeting as well as 
many a desolate, Home, of those
that have fallen on the field
of Action amid the roar of
canon. and the storm of iron
hail, I trust it will be my
lot to return Home. I have
never thought otherwise since
left Home. and I hope and
Pray it may be.    I am glad
to hear you are getting along
at Home as well as you are
and hope you will keep your
health. it is very warm 
here. to much so for comfort

I think we shall get away
as soon as tomorrow for our
Brigade is all on board but
as our Regt and the 7[8?]th NY	
and we will go next.
    I am very glad you have
    not sent my Boots yet for
I had rather keep them for
[fuul?] use now as I can
get along with the shoes
very well you may keep them
    until I write for them
and tell you whare to direct
which may be some time
yet. I hope I can have a
chance to ware them Boots [out?]
Home and I think that I
shall finish them thare at
least.
	Will Shaw is sick also
George Carnes. they are bothe

on the river now they left
here a few nights ago
were bothe doing well at that
time I had ben taking care
of Will a few days before
he went away. I think
he will get his Discharge
as soon as he gets able to
come Home if he will Apply
for it I told him to never
come to the Regt again
if he got well. as he can
get a discharge quicker away
than he can here. now
do you know whare Cousin Siddy
is I have written to her. also to
Jake Runons folks and never
have recd any answer from
them. Hoping to hear from
you soon I will close
I remain Your Affectionate Son
Mrs. H.D. Holmes	B.F. Marsh