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Republican patriot I apprehend the incentive to fight is the double one of the Union[underlined] + freedom[underlined] -- freedom to the North[underlined] from a terrible political thraldom --and, may we not hope, freedom to the South[underlined] in some as yet unknown way, in Gods good prov- idence, from that terrible incubus which she hugs + groans + groans + hugs until she has become completely mad -- I wish to heaven I could go and fight in this cause -- but disabled as I am I cannot; yet I have sent a couple of representatives, nephews, of whom I am guardian, 18 + 20, athletic, promising young men, of good morals -- and know[underlined] what[underlined] they[underlined] are[underlined] fighting[underlined] for[underlined] --they are in the 2d Regiment.

    In this double[underlined] fight, my friend

Mr. Hoskins would be glad to enlist -- and if it is in your power to give him a place in the army I have no doubt he would fill it with faithfulness + honor.

                 Very respectfully yours
                          E. G. Brett