.MTY0Ng.MTgwMjA

Bangor Augt. 18. 1861

My Dear Governor

I make no pretensions to patriotism. I have no desire to go to the War, but on the contrary would much prefer to remain at home, but it seems to me if any have considered this war as a Holiday affair it is quite time they should at once dismiss all such thoughts from their minds, for we have not only rebels to contend with abroad, but rebels and traitors at home so Sir I wish to say, that though I seek no place, if in your judgement I can make myself useful in any capacity, at the seat of war, over which you have any control, I am ready and willing to go. My wife says if I am needed go and she would willingly go but for the little ones. I have no great military experience. True I was once a corporal at West Waterville, where Robinson C[?] was an officer, and “Hossom” was private, and ran off the muster field after