Big Shanty    Cobb County Ga     March 29th 1862

Dear Wife I send you a few lines to inform you that I well and William is also well. Hoping these lines will find you well. I have nothing to write at this time Only we are here smoke Black as you ever saw gold diggers We have not been mustered in service yet and I don't know when we will but I think we will be shortly and Warren will stay till we are mustered in service and He will carry you some money when he comes I have forty envelops I shall send you and half Quire of paper all but one sheet that someone took unbenoins to me I want to hear from you and the children very bad for I think from what I dream that the baby's sick Verge Mackafee came in today and said he heard from you and all was well But that dont keep me from being uneasy I want you to engage wool while it can be had after sherring time so you can go to work on it as soon as I can let you know what color our uniforms will be for I think you can clothe me for less than fifty dollars and if you make my clothes I can send you fifty dollars more every year than I can and buy my clothes I shant need any clothes in some time but a uniform from what I learn none that has been mustered in has drawd uniforms

(Pg 2) I think that I have had the worst cold since I came here that I ever had in my life an it is common in camps We have not drawed any blankets yet and I think it doubtful whether we do or not for they aint here But my mess has plenty for such weather as today is but we have had some bad cold wet and snow weather since we left home I cant say how long we will stay here but it is thought not long We have had two deaths in our regiment since we come here One in Parkers Company from Lumpkin by the name Martin Lance and one in the Habersham company by the name Ramsey and they is one of our company sick by the name of Alber Henderson Nancy I want you to braid me some of your hair and send it to me by Lietuenant J. W. Meaks when he comes back and kiss the baby for me. I can say that I have experience some of the hardships of camps we had half rations for breakfast yesterday morning three bits for dinner and nothing for supper But I am as well satisfied as I thought I would be when I left home You must do the best you can for I dont know when I will come home For I dont see any chance to come at present but I will come home the first chance for I want to see you and the children very bad Henry I want you and Merrida to be smart boys Jane take good care of Warren and keep him quiet Elick you must be a good boy and mind your mother So i will come to a close Be sure and write back by J. W. Meakes and I want to hear from you before comes back Write all the news All the boy is well all but colds.

L. F. Crumley