Camp Parole Va

October 2 1863

Sorry she feels so bad about him going back to the Regt. and he feels bad about it too “But as a Soldier I must Obey Orders For some Reason which I cannot acount [sic] for our Corps Still Remain at this Camp although we have been expecting to leave here every day there is Considerable talk about our going down in Tenesee [sic] Under the Command of Gen Rosecrans the 11 & 12 Corps have left this Camp to go there. I mean Paroled Prisoners. I think it is an Undoubted fact that we are not Exchanged but are going to be Placed in the field in Retaliation for what the Rebels have done. Quite a number of the men have been Placed in Confinement for Refuseing [sic] to take arms before they were exchanged what they will do with them Remains to be seen Fletch has been Ordered to Report in Parole Camp & is now staying with me.” Thinks his Corps is going to Tenessee and they will join them there.

“I & fletch got a talking about Sarah graff & Jake last night & we would like to know what has become of Fred Jake’s Brother we have never heard from him since we have been Down here also about that money of Jakes whether she (Sarah) ever go [sic] it or not I would like to see Sarah & all old friends first Rate But oh dear Clara how much more would I give to see you & my little ones. Dear Clara all you can do for me now is to pray for me that I may be Spared to you & our little ones But at the same time Pray that I may become Better than what I ever have Been pray that I may Become one of gods followers & live to him & for him onley [sic] Fletch says all that he feels is his great sins & expresses a great determination to Seek god I hope he may every Soldier should feel the same as he does I think if we were all good men in this war it would of come to a close long before now But generally [sic] they are wicked very wicked indeed.” Closing.