1862 May 2, Fort Lyon, Alexandria, Va.

[on printed stationery]
26th Regiment New York Volunteers
Colonel W. M. Christian, Commanding
CAMP  Lynne Alexandria, VA May 2 1862


Dear Brother it is a long
time since I have had the pleasure of
seeing you I would not now you if
I saw you now from any man but
I would like to see you once more
I told you in my first letter that I
had enlisted and I suppose that Delia
has told you since.  I am sorry that
your letter got lost but there was a
bout half the mail lost that night
if you can sen another potograph of
yours I would like it.   I like soldiering
first rate.  I suppose that you have
Done good soldiering for present.
if mother and Delia and Sarah
goes to you that you will take
care of them i mean that you
will see that they are well cared for.
I will send two thirds of my pay.

[page 2]
to them. times look better to
me then they use to. our Camp is
on a side hill jest below the fort
on the south side of the Potomac river
we are going to start for aque Creeck
toward Yorktown the bully 26th
must have a Bash the Boys say
Befor they are Discharged
expect to get paid in a few Days
now. I tent with Gilbert
Welch a fine man from Yorkville
and sherman Casidy from Clinton
Dont forget to send me your
likeness Merritt.  You now that
when this Cussed War is over that
I will probably get a place to Work
near you. if I do not get my
top not shot off. the regiment
has served half of its time now
it has not quite [?] a year to serve
yet.

[page 3]
You must excuse my bad writeing
and Grammer for I have not
had as much schooling as I
had ought to you know

so good by Merritt
Write soon and send me
your potograph
Your Brother
James B

by the by Delia tell me that
you have Been married

Your affectonate Brother


[page 4]
Jimmy sent me This To post To
you as he did not know your
Direction

Delia

James Batcheler
26th New York Volunteers


MSS 11027































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