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Camp near Sharpsburg, Va. Feb 26th, 1863

Respected Sir:

Your unexpected favor of the 21st before me, and I hasten to reply. Nothing could have been more unexpected to me than your generous offer, what influenced you to make it, I know not- May you never have cause to regret the choice; for I willingly accept the place offered. Many are the sneers and curses hurled at the negroe, but if they can prove instrumental in saving the country, I cannot think it but honor to use them for that purpose. It is said the Rebels will hang all whites in command of a Regt. of blacks; but will an idle threat intimidate men who have faced death in its most repulsive forms? No, the path of duty will be trod though it be slippery with blood. If the situation you offer is given me I would like to get a short furlough if possible so as to arrange affairs at home as all my money is at home except the 4 months pay due