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Camp Near Falmouth Va. March 12th 1863

Dear Sir:

For the first time I take the pen to converse with you for a few moments. We are now enjoying a period of rest and our increasing numbers [in?] the benefits derived from it. It is quite like Summer her now except that mud rules the road. The army is in good condition and under a skillful leader, and if placed on an equal with Rebels no one need fear for the result. The conscription act is received with great favor by the army, and the only fault found is that it was not pressed before. We hear the government intends to keep our Regt. another year; many of the men are regularly enlisted but for two years and any attempt to keep them longer will cause trouble. I am enlisted but for two years; yet, I intend to stay until the war is ended.

Many of the men are anxious to get home this spring, and there is a continual uproar about it; for this and other reasons I wish to get clear of the Regt either by transfer or reenlistment; but no one can reenlist; neither can they can they be transfered unless promoted.