[Written Sideways on left side of Scan 1]

Soldiers Letters
[H?] Belcher
      May ‘8” Mich

	[End]

Mrs, H,J, Holmes !.
Fentonville  !!
Mich

Hd Qrs 8th Mich. V.V.I.
Before Petersburg Va
August 8th—/64
Well Dear Sister, You will 
see by this that I am with my 
Company once more Yes I am
what I call well again I am feeling 
fine again now I returned to
my Company Sunday. last I
think I am well enough to
get along again. I was on duty
last night and I feel well
this morning. I recd two letters 
this A M. one from Mrs. Spaulding 
and one from you with my 
Photo. I was very glad to hear from 
Home Oh, I am so glad you write 
so often. I am glad to receive that 
Photo. for I want to send it 
East to Grandfathers folks for it 
will Please them so much

but I was surprised I did 
not expect to get any until I
sent Home some money to pay 
for them. We have not got our 
pay yet nor no signs of getting 
it . but I recd a letter from 
Alvah the other day he said 
as soon as he got his Pay he 
would send me some 
Did you ask the Artist if he 
could get a Negative and take
some photos from that Picture
of DeWitts and B. F. [S?], the camp 
life supper just ask him if 
you will and let me know 
but you need not get any taken 
untill I send you some money
but I just want to know if 
it can be done. if he can get a 
good Negative from it I will have
some Photos taken from it they 
will be nice! I have recd two or 
three letters from You of late and 

one or two of them I believe I 
have not answered so you will 
consitder this an answer to all 
although it is short. I must close 
and write a few words to 
Mother in this. I hope I will have 
some Money soon. Alvah said 
he was going to send some Home 
when he got his Pay.
   Please except this with the Love 
of your affectionate Bro. B. F. Marsh.
Dearest of All
My Mother
I must say a few words to 
you before I close this although 
it is but a few since I
wrote. but my health is so 
much improved since that I 
have returned to My Company again,.
I feel real tough. again Oh , 
how thankful I am . that I am 
restored to good health again

[Written upside down on top of Scan 5]

I guess I get all the letters you send 
I have lots of them I thank you 
for doing so well

	[End]

I shall be careful of myself now 
and try to keep tough. thare is 
great times here in our Regt. 
now about the Boys that enlisted 
when I did. to see whether they 
are free the 23rd of Sept where 
the Regts time is out or if they 
are to be held for one year more
Our Col., or Lieut-Col. says he 
is going to do all he can to get 
them all out thare is some talk 
that we are not a Veteran Regt 
and will be Discharged the 23rd 
but I don't look for any such 
good luck for this chick but 
Mother it is only one year from 
today then I can count my 
time by the Month . instead of
the year. Now Mother if Alvah 
sends or brings Home any money 
for you Please get Your Photograph 
taken for me will you or when I 
can get some money I want it so 
bad you must do it now just for 
me get at least half a doz 
Well I must close write soon 
I am Your Affectionate Son
B. F.M,