.MjM.MjU

Camp Carolina Norfolk Virginia Jun 30th 1861

Dear Uncle.

 As it has been some time since I wrote to you, I will make an efort this morning to give you a short history of our camp.  There is but little sickness at present within the camp of the Grays.  My health is still good.  We are drilling very hard and the most of us can handle our guns tolerably well, our camp is as pleasant a one as can be found in this part of the state.  I am perfectly satisfied with a soldiers life, although it is a hard one.  I visited Crany Island on last Sunday and with a spy glass could see the enemy very plain there was five vesells in the mouth of the James River.  They wer in motion but I did not understand their motions, they was very well mounted with heavy cannon.  The vessels at (?) and tents at Bethell were almost innumerable.  Crany Island has an embankment nearly all round it, and has 35 Mtd cannon with several rounds of shell and bail.  Sewells Pt Spinners Point the Marine Hospital and Fort Norfolk are all in very good order for meeting the Northern vessels and I think they will have a warm time in passing those points.  
 
 I heard yesterday that some of the Yankees had landed at Oacion View whether it be true or not I am not able to say.  I allso heard that their picket guards are allmost frightened to death.  They are continually dodging and hiding from old stumps.  A few days ago fell close by a dozen of them, they sprang to their feet amediately and made for their quarters as hard as they could crack it, if this is the class of men that we have to fight, the time is not far distant when we will all be dismissed and allowed to return home in triumph.  I received a letter from home last tusday, which gave me much satisfaction.  Fathers Family are all well.  There was not a Union vote given in my county.  They are allso making great preparations for war.

 I should like very much to see you all again if I could do so in peace, but in the present circumstances I could not enjoy myself much outside of the army.

 Give my best wishes to Aunt Sallie and my thanks allso for the pair of socks she sent me.  Give my love and best wishes to all of my relations in Granville and tell them that I hope the time is not distant when I shall have the pleasure of paying them all a visit again.  

 Mr. Thomas Parham is well.  He sends his regards to you and he is quite a fine fellow.     

 Nothing more this ? But remain your affectionate nephew.
              J.S.E. McGhee