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� Va Aug 13th 1863

Camp Near (?) Ford

                       Dear Sister

I have received your letter the other day and was glad to hear that you were all well I am well we lay clost to the river and I go in swiming (?) we have to drill twise a day but that (?) (?) thing to (?) we can see the rebels pickits from this side but can't talk to them we had a bevy thunder shower as ever I did see in my life its(?) afle hard hear now

          Helen I want you to write all the news I hope that

it (?) drill and I must sop writing so good by

                    Frome your Brother  J.P. Baker