We hear of terrible Carnage at Charles Town _ full reports have not
yet reached us- dont forget to write often _ Take all possible care of your health
I wrote to Capt Loomis that you [were?] comeing _

		April 13th1863 —
My Dear Son
	I have just learned a few moments ago
that Lieut Roper is at home and will leave for your
place on Tomorrow Morning- I will drop this line and
have Alfred take it down to Curllsville after dinner
and give it to the Lieut  Had I have known it in time
I would have Sent out to Town a got you a bible such
as I got Alfred, But I will Send down to Curllsville
and request your Aunt to got to [Pritners?] and if there
is any there she will Send it for me. If there is more
I will Send you one again on first opportunity 
We are all well but my Selfe_ I am and have 
been for 6 or 8 days quite unwell _ My limbs and
bowels swell very much and are getting quite pain-
ful I am threatened very Seriously with confirmed
dropsy _ And if this should be the result My race will
Soon terminate, and I Shall Soon rest from the labors
of this Sorrow stricken world.
 	      I need $25 by Adams express from you for
which I thank you much, I will use it now
and if you are Spared to get back, which
May God grant, I will refund it to you evey
cent. So do not think that you will not get what
you Send home _ for whether I live or die you Shall
have returned to you all you place in my hand.
I have therefore charged my self with the amount

[Written on left border]

We will send you some papers frequently- Good by _ may the 
Lord protect bless _ and Save you my dear Son _ we all join in love
write Soon _ and often _ as ever BH Thomas

And will do So with all you Send home _
and will make provisions in my will to have
all paid back to you _
Do not do as many foolish Soldiers do _ But take
care of every cent you can _ Keep yourself com
fortable but avoid extravagance _ Buy nothing
from those pests of the Soldier Sutlers-
	And I hope my dear Son you will shun
all the temptations of the camp _ Intemperance
profanity and gambling –
And render too that you may be called
any hour to eternity – Oh my dear boy live
for eternity – Be very careful of your health
Remember there are more that die from disease
and exposure than in battle – If you get sick
be sure to take medicine in time – And if
you get yourself ill or wounded – get your
captain or others to have you Sent to 
Philadelphia you will be better taken care of thare –
And I can go to Philladelphia much easier than 
to Washinton or elsewhere to see you –
Be Sure to write often – and if you Should 
get Sick and not able to write get others to
write for you – If you [illegible] at any time
postage stamps or anything else let us know 
We will write frequently – and I would 
be glad if you write once a week to us 
If you write a good letter when you have
 the time I will have it published here in the [illegible]