.NTI2.MTI0NTM

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[1]

May 3d 1862 –

My dear Wife – I write hastily to let you hear from me.
Yesterday we were furnished with muskets & order to prepare
three days provisions for a forced march – about 9 o,c[lock] at
night received marching orders & started but after a
march of about ½ mile were ordered back & are still
here – all are well – We know nothing of the reasons
to march at any time , & I think will go sometime to-day
or to-morrow.  Dont think anything of not hearing from
me – as I shall write whenever I can get a letter off –
You can continue to write as before – sending to Glo[uce]ster P[oin]t [Virginia], until
I write you my whereabouts.  Our officers intend evacuating
Gl[ouce]st[er] P[oin]t & are I learn [‘I learn’ underscored] leaving York – Dear Precious I was
with you  all last night in my dreams, heard darling little Minnie
talking – had Charley on my knee & you by me – it was a
happy night – Every thing was almost real – and then the waking
up this morning was too bad.  I think the plan is to leave all the
water canon on account of the Enemy’s gun boats, continue to write.
Your aff[ectiionate] husband  N[athaniel] V. W[akins]


[Postmarked Envelope]

[Postmark not legible]

Mrs. Nannie V. Watkins
(Care Mr. Jos[eph] B. Daniel
Townesville
N[orth] C[arolina]

Send by Sass[afras] Fork [North Carolina] [mail]


[2]

I write on this paper because all my paper is packed up.
I dont feel anymore discouraged for our cause on account
of this move. I have thought for a long time that our true
policy was to fall back from the water courses - & compel
the Enemy to fight us on land.  I may have to [?] it
a little more & be situated so that I cant write to you
as often, but I feel as safe in one place as another -
am in the hands of the same God & under his protection
wherever I go.  Dont be troubled for me, Dear, I have stood
every thing very well so far & am with kind friends.  I have
sent my trunk into the country & it will be taken care
of & sent to me as soon as I am stationed.  I may be
stationed in a battery near Richmond [Virginia], but this is all uncertain
I send this letter by a friend to be mailed in R[ich]mond.
Your aff[ectionate] husband N[athaniel] V. W[atkins]

Continue to write as before.