Cumberland Maryland November the 4th A. D. 1862

Cumberland Maryland November the 4th A. D. 1862

Dear Aunt and UncleIt is with the Greatest Sense of pleasure that I seat myself in my crowded tent among my mischievous comrades to inform you where and how I am. Our regiment is encamped near cumberland, Maryland in Alleghany County on the headwaters of the Potomac River the Potomac River is you know the scene of some of the Bloodiest Battles which you have read about I suppose dear aunt you know several of the boys with us but still i must inform you that We have a remarkable civil and Religious company There is scarcely any wicked or profane persons among us. We can go to church every Sunday for our chaplain always preaches two sermons on that day we have also prayer meeting every night in our tents I attend them regular and I think that they tend to keep a young man from falling into bad company. and i think it is a providencial circumstance that I enlisted in this company for I hear that there is a desperate sight of wickedness in the very regiments that i came so near enlisting in. I have heard of the death of several of my acquaintences who belonged to the army and it allways makes me feel like trying to do theduty of a Christian for i am no better than my young friends who have fell on the field of battle and the solemn thought arises in my mind althoug i am now well and healthy how soon might I be numbered with them. And now dear aunt i must soon close but befor i do i want to tell you to write to me often for every letter that i can get from you will be a great pleasure to me it will make me think of old times when you and aunt Polly was at home with us I remember how kind you used to be to me when i was nothing but a small boy and i now see what trouble i was to you. I will now bring my letter to a close. I would have written to you long ago if i had known how to direct your letters i hope you will write to me sometimes without a letter from me for i cant write often to all my friends tell William and Wesley to write to meNo more at presentBut remain your affectionate nephew David Close to his aunt and uncle Rachel and George Dunbar. Direct your letter to Cumberland Maryland in care of capt Paisley 126 Regiment O V I Carroll