Camp Convalisent [sic] Alexandria VA

June 28th 1863

“Dear Brother

I am well at Present & hope these few lines will find you all the same at home Hearing that you was in Utica I expected to get a letter from you But have not yet got one I should of wrote one long ago if I had of known where your address was this is the onley [sic] reason why I have not written to you before How much I have suffered since I have been a soldier I hope never to go through with again I refrain from writeing [sic] home everything in the Hardships we endure for I dont want [p. 2] them to worry of a trouble I have Brought on myself so I don’t write all to make them feel bad although I have Received some honers [sic] since I have Been here I was promoted to a Sergt last winter from the ranks Even that Office is looked up to here in the army as a big thing we have nearly as much athority [sic] as a Comissoned [sic] officer and the men are in duty bound to obey us as much it relieves me from all guard & fatiuge [sic] duty as well as many other things. I hope this will find you well & enjoying yourself & take my advice never enlist if you don’t want to be sorry all the days of your life after I have not one half [p.3] the strength I had when I enlisted although I look Hearty & well & feel so at present I hope you will answer this as soon as you get it and let me hear from you give my love to father & mother & all enquiring friends

You affectionate Brother

Sergt Peter L. Dumont”