#84


		   Camp 1st Mich Engrs
	   Raleigh N.C. April 28, 1865
Dear wife I wrote you a letter on the 25th 
and said we were going to march the next
morning but did not know where but
supposed we should go to Hillsboro after
Reb. Johnson well we started according to
orders and went about 12 miles and was
ordered to halt for Johnson was about to
surrender   Well he surrendered that night and
the next day we came back to our old camp
again and here we are. Well thank God
the war is about over Hostilities have
ceased in this department and we are
under marching orders to go to Washington
to be mustered out we suppose but done
know as we will be mustered out or not
but certain as the world we shall not
be kept any longer than is necessary.
I begin to think that I shall be home
to enjoy the fourth of July with you
we expect to march to morrow morn-
ing. It is a long ways to go on foot
near 300 miles but I think we shall
stand it very well. there will be no
chance to get mail on the route or no

84


chance to send any I suppose we expect to be
about 30 days to go through I have not had
any letter from you since we left Goldsboro
and it was dated march 17th but have lived
in hope of getting a letter untill but now I
done expect to get any letters untill after I get to 
Washingon or else until I get home. The
prospect is that we will soon be home
I suppose you have not planted any yet
Well I have seen peas in full bloom corn 
about six inches high potatoes nearly six
inches high there will be new potatoes
here in a month. peaches are very
promising for a good crop – I hope you
will have the mares put in again this spring.
for I want to raise all the colts I can. I
suppose Old Poll dont raise any colt yet well
we will try her again this summer and
if she dont get with foal I shall have her
traded off and get one that will breed
dont plant any more corn than you would
if you did not expect me home for it
may be that I shall not be home until 
fall. Well I dont know of much to
write I am as well as ever So good bye
from your husband	
			Simeon A. Howe

[Written on left-hand side of Scan 2]

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