Dear Brother, fearing I will not have an opportunity again right soon, I will write to you this morning. I have written a letter to Father in which I have given what little news we have. You can see and read his letter, as it says we are making preparations for a move. Since I commenced writing, I have seen several boats go down the river for the purpose of crossing the Salt Sulphur forces and Gen. Wharton’s Brigade at Pox Ferry. I think Loring’s whole Division will be thrown together on the march.

Aunt Betsy Mitchell wished me to find out where Russell is. I have not ascertained yet, but I think he is in Wharton’s Brigade, at the Gray Sulphur Springs. Before I left home, James N. Lindsey gave me a note on S. C. Nicholas for $16.00 with a credit of $2.50 and desired me to collect it for him. Tell Kelly that I called on Nicholas for the money and tried hard to get it, but failed. He contends that there should be credits orenough to reduce the debt to $7.50; I proffered to take that and give credit on the note, but he would not pay it unless I gave up the note, which I refused to do. If you see Kelly show him this letter. I will send the note back to you; take care of it and give it to Kelly and tell him that I see no chance for me to get his money. I and Nicholas come very near having a quarrell about it.

Write soon and let me know how you are and what you expect to do. You can not be exempted without going to Dublin. I don’t think you will be disturbed this f Fall. I am not capable of advising, and if I were, I know not what kind of advice to give you, more than say, do the best you can and stay with your family if possible. You must write soon. I will write often as I can. Billy Gray is well except a cold; he says he will write to you soon as he gets time. Direct your letters all to Dublin, Va., Care of Capt. Stone, Co. (I) 50th Va. Regt., Echols’ Brigade.