1863 February 13 Dumfries, Va.

                                   Dumfries, Virginia
                                      Feb. 13th 1863
Dear Mother
                             Your kind and wel-
come letter came safely to hand yester
day and I thank you for it.  I was
truly glad to learn that you were well
and prospering at home.  My health
remains good and I do not think it
will change as camp life seems to
agree with me.  I wrote you a letter
but a few days ago and I have not
much news to write you now none
of importance only we received our
pay yesterday for two months $28 for
me. - I  have nearly Six months due
me but could only get two of them
We are promised pay again some time
in March.  I have nearly fifty dollars
that I can send you, and you can
get it by going to Lanark and pay-
ing Expressage.  Perhaps I shall buy
some Boots and clothes so that I cannot
send you more than fi forty dollars
I shall send you all I can.  I want
you to pay Shimer and Gregory some
if you can possibly spare it.--------

[page 2]
The Col. says that we will
go to Washington soon to do
Provo - guard duty If we do
then I shall get my mail
regularly and perhaps we will
have easier times  I hope so
any how.  Our Company has
been detailed to go to Alexandria
or Washington to get some extra
horses for our Regiment.  We start
to-morrow morning at 8 oclock
and will go up the Potomac on a boat
and probably will be gone for sever-
al days.  After we return I will
write you again.  The Postage Currency
is taken in place of silver in all
cases and for any thing   We use
it as change.  Believe me Mother
Your Affectionate Son
W. H. Redman
Mrs. Catarine Redman
Please Write Soon
No Sale Mother- - No Sae  It will be
the beginning of a separation of the family
                               W.H.R

[In right hand margin of page 2]
Mother I want to know whether you ever received a likeness
that I sent you from Wmsport?
dont forget to write me

William Henry Redman, Co. C., 12th Illinois Cavalry

MSS 7415