I have heard that you have got home but have not received a letter from any of homefolks since your arrival at home; consequently, I am ignorant as to how you are getting along. It is consolation to me to know that you are among kind friends who can nurse you and give you the assistance you need, and I hope your health is by this time improving, but I don’t look for you in camp before Spring. It will soon be time for you to send up an extension on your furlough. If you are not able to go to Dublin to see an army surgeon, send the certificate of your attending physician. I don’t want you to come back till you get well.

We are expecting stirring times here soon. Whilst I am now writing, the muttering thunder of artillery grates upon my ear. It is now one or two o’clock and cannon have been firing nearly all day both up and down the river. This morning we were ordered to strike tents, load every thing immediately, and form our companies. Went out to the breast-works, formed a line of battle, and staid about an hour, then came back and pitched our tents. But we don’t expect to stay long. I think a battle will be fought soon. It is said that Mead is ordered to move forward, and I think he is going to obey orders. At least I fear so, for I am by no means anxious to try the “tug” of war again. Yet I feel that we will have to try our fortunes in battle before long.

There are two or three men of our regt. belonging to Co. ‘F.’ under sentence of death for desertion. I think they are to be executed sometime next week. There were three belonging to the brigade executed some 10 days ago.

We have no fifer now with the regt. Scott is at home on furlough and Wyrick has been sent to the hospital sick. We are well as common. For several days past there a was not a man in our Co. to report to the Dr. The last two days there have been one or two cases. The men grumble a good deal about not getting enough to eat.

Jeff Davis was on a visit to Lee’s army a few days ago. Our corps was to have been reviewed by him day before yesterday, but it rained too much. He has now gone back to Richmond.

Jimmy, take good care and get well soon as you can, but don’t think by this that I am anxious for you to get back to camp, for I want you to enjoy home long as possible. I got a letter from Lee, a day or two ago; she has received the letter I sent by you. When you receive this letter, A answer soon if you are able to write; if not, get Sallie to write for you. I will close for the present.