Martha, send stamps to pay for this letter.

Richmond
July the 24, 1862

I hant started my letter yet and I will write you a few more. Me and Gilford went to Richmond yesterday and seen Dickey Scarborough. He is mending finely. I think he will be able to come home in a short time. I went up in the State house up in Richmond. Thar I seen where the congress meets and I seen the Richmond Library and I seen the two big flags that we taken from the Yankees and thar I seen General Washington’s monument on his horse. About twenty feet by that was the greatest sight I ever saw in my life. I went up in the State house and got out on the top of the house where there was a door for the purpose and I seen all over Richmond at one site. I would not take pay for my days journey. It’s worth any body’s attention. A man may live in Georgia his life time out and never see nothing. I hant been here but on month and I have seen sights and wonders.

A few more lines to you Martha. I received a few lines from you yesterday the 22nd. day, Tuesday which stated that you had started me two letters but you did not say whether you had got any letter from me or not. It was a few lines that was in Gilford’s letter stating that you was all well. You said you had started me tow letters but I hant got nary one yet.

Vandiver got a letter yesterday which was rote the 9th off July, stating that you and the children was up thar that morning and was well. I was glad to hear that. I have waited till after the mail come in and I get no letter, but I hope I will git them in a few days.

Martha, Samuel B. Sanders is in the Regiment. He got here last Tuesday. He made prayer for us last night. Martha tell them that the boys is all well, so I must close by saying I hope and pray that the Lord will be our guide. I want you to ask the Lord to give you graace to live right and to raise my children right. So write to me again.

Yours in love,
From Lewis Sartain

To Martha A. Sartain and Mandy and John and Henry Sartain      Goodby