Camp Harmon near Centerville August 26, 1861
Dear Nannie,
I mailed a letter Saturday and trust it reached on Sunday. My health has so much improved that I started last evening on a march towards Fairfax Court House but only marched about three miles when we met a courier with orders that we should about face. Another false alarm. We got back to camp a little after sunset. I was a good deal fatigued as it was the first exercise I had taken since my sickness. I was not compelled to go as I was still on the sick list but I was determined to go as far as I could. I did not like the idea of everyone thinking I was afraid to go. I started on a good dinner. I cooked my beans and baked what tomatoes I had left and baked potatoes. I succeeded in putting them up first rate. Luther and several others were opposed to having them did not like cooked tomatoes but when they eat of them they change their mind and wanted to know where I had learned to cook them in that style. If they had been fresh they probably would have been better. The beans were delicious. We will probably have a good many alarms but I do not anticipate a fight very soon.
Have you sent me any papers? I have not received any yet. I want you to send me some if it will not be too much trouble. If you have any indelible ink , please write my name on several pieces of white cotton just large enough for A Martin Co.I 33 Reg Va Vol. I want to sew them on my blankets and clothes, about half a dozen will do.
Monday night 26 1861. Since writing the above I have received your very interesting letter and the dispatch. Do not send anything to me by anyone claiming to belong to our Reg. unless you know him or something of him. I think the man you speak of does not belong to our Reg. I may be mistaken.
I regret that Will did not find me. I would have been very much please to see him. Bob Bowman took supper with us this eve- say they have 130 sick in the Reg. and the sick barefooted. Our forces are putting up breastworks within three miles of Alexandria. Hugh does not find camp fare palatable. I get along very well the only trouble is the want of variety but of late we occasionally get a little milk onions butter potatoes ........ Do not send me any clothing till I direct. I shall not need them for some time - may get home before I need anything If you should send anything in the way of eating - I do not ask for anything - you can put in some dark gray patches - the glass and piece of hard soap. You may send me a one dollar Rockingham Bank note in your next. I have ... (rest of letter missing)
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