1862 January 12 Camp Franklin, Va.

Dear parents,

I have been writing to
Mary Jane and if she is not with you
I want you to send it to her. I send
here enclosed 5 dollars for you to use
to the best advantage as you see fit
If you have not got that money at
Portland you can get Rodny Adams
to get it Frank has sent his money
to Rodny and he can tell you what
you must do to get it if you do
not know I want you to write
to me as soon as you get it so I may
know it is safe I want to hear
about the affairs at home it has
been some time since I have heard
any important news from you I want
to hear what the folks are doing and
how you are getting along how much
do you have to pay for different things

[page 2]
you have to use and every thing
you can think of. I had the
colic the other day it was caused
by eating baked beans the doctor
gave me something that relieved me
in a short time I eat some more
beans the same night but they
did not hurt me as they did in
the morning. I am as well as I
ever was now as a general thing
the troops on this side of the Potomac
is very healthy All the boys from
Raymond and Casco are well
and fit for duty except Levi
Small He has not got away from
the hospital yet but he is quite
smart. Active preparation in being
for an advance on the whole line of
the Potomac whether we shall moove[sic]
or not I cannot tell we shall know
in a few days I have no more
news to write this time so I will close

H. M. Cash

[private, Co. K, 5th Maine]

MSS 12916