1862 January 4 Camp Withers

Dear Father and mother
it is with pleasure that I seat
myself to drop you Few lines
to let you know that I am
well at present and hope
when theas few lines come to
hand they may find you
enjoying the same blessing I havae
nothing of importance to write to
you only I have left orange
Co Ho I was going to stay there
all winter but they got too hard o
one me they made me work like
a negro and I could not stand
it father I want you to have
me a pair of boots made and
I will send you the money
In a few days If you can send
me any honey or an other provis
ion send when It the first chance
I have my health better now
then i ever I did I am in the
mess with James & William harttan
we have fine times I Just come
of picket yester day It was
so cold that it froze frose
the buttons of my coat I have
Got Cordian that was Given
to me at orange By Adams
and I send it to Benton
By Jas. Murphy thell[sic] Benton
to have it fixed I want
you to write to me soon
in the other letter I sent
you a anvelopes

[page 2]
tell George I am tired
Reading his letter Giv Give my
love to all the friends I would
like to see you all fustrate
tell all the prety girls
to write to me It is snowing
here a little now

now I must Bring theas
few lines to a close so nothing
more at preasant give my
love to Joel Hamilton folks
Farewell Father & Mother

James B. Painter

Dear Brother it is with
pleasure to drop you a few lines
to let you know that I am well
at preasent and hope when
theas few come to hand they
may find enjoying the same
Blessing I have know mor news
to write to you I want you
to write soon I want your
to write to me what was done
wigy [?] my oxens
Nothing More But hope
to remain your Dear Brother
James B. Painter

Corporal Co. K, 28th Virginia (Roanoke Grays)

MSS 10661