March the 9 1862
Waine Oake, Gates County, North Carolina
Dear Mary,
I take the present opportunity of writing you a few lines to inform you that I am well. At present, Wash is well and the most of our Company is well. The health of this Regment is better now than it has bin since I have bin in the army. You all surely have forgotten me. I have never recieved the scratch of a pen since I left you. I am of the opinion the reason you do not write, you are afread that I will go in for the ware. If that is the reason, you had as well write. If you have come to the conclusion to enlist, that is all that would induce me to valenteer. If I am drafted I cannot help coming but never will I valenteer again. I would like to here from you. Caroline, please write. I have nothing to write on but my book. You know that is a bad chance to write on a writing desk. You have got some plank. You can write verry well on the Bible are on the table we are on. Showan River is a very low swampy place down here. I expect the snakes is as big as tees (trees). Direct you letters to Suffolk, VA.
You Granville Belcher
