.MTI1.MTgx

Camp Near Richmond
    July 8the 1863
Mr. J. O. Claybrooke Esq
    Sir
        I drop
You a few lines to inform You
where I am and are I getting along.
My last time I wrote to You was
from Staunton. where I was very sick
at that time.  I recovered from the
the Pneumonia sloly but caught a
other Decease wich the Dr. called
Dropsy.  I feel tollerable well at
this time.  for a few Weeks ago the
War department maket a call on All
the Convallescend for Vollenteers to
defend the City of Richmond against
the Yankee Raids with wich said City
was threatened.  and the Brave Boys
rushed to the call promptly.  All we
Convallescend been Organized here in
in Company’s each State by him
self under the Command of Brigadeer
General Walker. and Camp now on
the Breastwoorks & Rifle Pits around
Richmond some of us are at the South
An[?] Bridge on the Fredericksburg R. Road
I belong to a Company commanded by
Leut Thom. Howard. and stay at the
Breastworks on the Fredericksburg Main Road
about 7 miles from Richmond.  I onderstand
that the Yankee’s mostly left this Neighborhood
and I belive the hole Yankee Force at
the Peninsula will shortly called a way to
Reinforce theire Army wich is fighting a-
gainst Genl. R. E. Lee in Pensalvania.
I learned from a Extra of the Rich-
mond Inquierr last Night, that Genl.
R. E. Lee. captured 40,000 Yankee wich
are now on their Way to Richmond
guarded by Maj. Genl. Pickets Division.
Thei refused to be Paroled.  Genl
Johnston whipped Genl Bank very
badly at Port Hudson.  Banks
retreated with 5,000 men towards
New Orleans, the only Number wich
was left him.


Coll.  I belive the War soon
will close and we will enjoy the
sweet blessing of Peace.

Vice President Stephens is going to
Washington. to arrange with the Federa
Government about respecting Private
Property. and if the Yankee’s will not
stop this outrage.  Lee will certain
retalliate on them.

I wish I could manage it to see
you.  Then I like to see you mighty
bad.  I hope as soon thin[gs?] settle
a little better here before Richmond.
I will procure a Leave of Absence
for a few days and come and see
you All.  give my best Respect to
Your kind Sisters & your Newphe[w?]
James Hart. and so to Mrs. Harris
& Godwins & Dr. Pendelton.  I getting
allong very well. and hope our staying here
may be some good for the Confarderte
States.  We all are in good spirits and
are certain every one will fight off the
Yankee Vandals ever should attempt to go [struck-through]
come here.

I begge leave that I wrote not sooner.
it was not because I forgot you and
your kindness to me.  Then you will
remain in my Remembership so long I live
iff It ever should be in my Power I will
come and see you and give you my
Thanks again.

I remain your truly & thankfully
Friend.

    Louis Sleeper