Orange County. Va, March the 6, 1864
Camp Near Gordainsvill
Dear
Wife
I this morning seat my self to write you a few
lines to let you know that I am well as (blank) this morning after my long march. my
cold is some thing better. we started
on the march the 1 day of march and got in camp the 5 day. we had a hard march. it rained and frozed and snowed
the first day we march.
we avered twenty miles a day. I
wrote you a few lines and sent it by mr.
H. Groves that started home the same
day that we left the vally. and I
stated in that that william Smith was a going to start home that day. but he got in an ambulance and came down
with us to orange and is going to start for home in the morning. and I thought it would be a good chance to
send you a short letter. being as I was
so un well when I left home I thought you would be glad to hear from me. and I hope when this comes to hand it may
find you and the children enjoying good helth.
remember me to all inquiring Friends.
give my respects to Father and Mother Jim and Anny. and to Frances's family and also to Sarah
and the children give my respects to miss Sally and Becca. and all of aunt Susan's Famly. I heard that the yankees were in Fredericksburd
they have made arade on richmond and got in four miles of there and burnt a
bridge and tore up The Track for a short distance. and they came in fifteen minutes of meeting the train and Jeneral
Lee was on them. but they were little
too late.
Willy and Jimmy are well and doing well. you must write as soon as you get this. and send me word how you are and the
children, and if you have got your flower yet.
I left the mony with mr George Groty. to try and get it for you. and he said he would. and I also left 80 dollars with him to
get 10 yards of callico for anny. give
my respects to Farther and Sisters and keep a good potion for your self and the
children. I will now come to a close. you must excuse messtakes and bad writing
for my ink is so pail that it is no count I still and shall forever as long as life last remain your kind
and affectionate Husband.
John W. Watson
