1861 October 10 Camp near Germantown

My Dear Wife
Wm. Creight reached
here to-day and I only propose to
write you a few lines, to let you know
of our continued good health. I will
write you a long letter to-morrow or
next day. Accept the purest affection
of your true husband for your many
kindnesses. I hope the day is not far
of[f] when I will be permitted to
clasp in purest love the dearest object
of my life upon earth. I have enclosed
a letter to Mr. Thompson please send
to him immediately. Much love to
all
Your affectionate husband
JM Phinney
Over

Nothing new with us, we are
having very cool weather and to-day
is a drizzily damp day. To-morrow
six months our time expires, but
alas I am fearful of many
changes ere that time. If a package
comes for me from Charleston it
will be directed to Will. Send it
to me by Maj Whitner who will
return in a short time. The first
opportunity I will send some more
money write soon
Yours in purity
J.M.P.
Do have my old brown coat
with velvet collar fixed up
and sent by Maj. Whitner or any
one else who is coming on. How
do you do for clothing now that
things are so scarce. I saw Gus Aiken
yesterday. Mrs. Woodward and Mrs. Aiken
are at Fairfax. I hope soon to meet
Mrs. W & Mrs. A

James M. Phinneyl, 1st Lt. in the 6th South Carolina Infantry

MSS 7786-d