.NDQ0.NjA1

[1]

Gloucester Point Ap[ri]l 10th 1862 –

Dear Wife – Johny Booker continues a little unwell – We have gotten a furlough for him to spend a few days in Richmond [VA]. I write by him that my letter may be mailed there. As I have not heard a word from you, I fear you have not received any thing from me. We are all very well & fairing as well as could be expected – there is some probability of a fight here, if they succeed in whipping [General] Magruder on the Peninsula, which I think they will not do. [‘they...do’ underscored] The hardest part of my life is not being able to hear from you. Oh, darling I never knew before how much my [?] life is wrapped up in You & Charley & Minnie. I care nothing for life without you. I fear I love you too much. Suppose you write to me, enclose it in an envelope to

[Envelope]

Mrs. Nannie V. Watkins Sassafras Fork P.O N[orth] Carolina

[2]

Mr. Howeson & let him send it from Richmond – Write every day or two until I know you her [‘I...her’ struck-through] you hear I have gotten a letter.

I am a happy & comfortable as I could be from you & am perfectly well – Have written some five or six letters to you – Am writing in haste on the deck of the vessel which will take Johny off – God bless you & our [precious?] children your devoted husband N[athaniel] V. Watkins