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to do so as we are under marching orders
and I expect to move to marrow with out fail
if we do so it may be some time before you
will hear from meo We have every thing in [rear]
ernefs to move rations and all. Our orders is to
cary 5 days ratcin in our knapsack and 3 in
our haversack making in all 8 days provisions.
I heardly know how we are to cary so much
with the resr of our things. I will tell you
what we have got to lug on this march 60 rounds
of cartridges, 8 days rations, 1 blanket, 1 overcoat,
a change of clothing and a gun besides a canteen
to carry water. If that is not a lode for a man
to lug on a long march, I would like to know
what it is that constitutes a lode for a man.
We have got allso to carry one peace of tent.
Still, it is the order and we have got to obay it.
I can not tell where we are ging at present,
but if I git a chance I will keep you posted.
All I hope is that Hooker when he meets the
enemy he will defeat them. The army is in good
spearets and I think they will fight to the
last. There was a grand review the other day
of the whole army and what I saw of it it beet
all I ever saw in my life. It seamed to me that
there was men enough to eat the rebels up
with out peper or salt. We have had good
weather fer a week and the roads is in good
cendishen so dear Ma you may expect eny day
to hear of us doing something to wards crushing
this rebellion. God grant we may be succesfull.
If we are not I will commence to think that
the South can not be counkered but let come
what will I am prepeared for the worse. If I
fall I hope I will fall with my face to the
enemy. Give my love to Edmund, Ann Louisa
and Henry. Clarice also to Phebe and the
little ones. Tell Phebe to answer that letter
that I sent her and ask her ho Guss got
married to. She may think me inquisitive
but never mind that is nothing as a person
to find out eny thing must ask. I have very
little more to say in this letter as I heardly
know what to say, but Ma let me know if
you have heard from John. If you have not
I will heardly credet the story of him being