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| No date on letter but about August 10th 1863
Camp on Rapidan River
My Dear Mother: It has not been but a few days since I wrote to you, but as I had not then had a letter from home since I left Glade Springs, I feel it my duty to write to you again and let you know that I have received two letters from you in the last few days, one dated July 18th and the other August 4th. I was truly glad to hear that you were all well. You spoke of sending me some apples by Jas. Harrel but he has not come yet. Levi Kincer brought the letter. We can get a few apples occasionally by paying 50 cents per dozen for them, a little larger than a æs egg. Onions are $2.00 per dozen; eggs, the same price. Potatoes at from $5.00 to $8.00 per bushel. Our mess bought a 1/2 bushel today for $2.50. I would like to eat a few pies or cakes from home, these down here taste too strong of money. But it is not worth while for me to indulge in such wishes for we are too far off, though the trip can be made in 36 hours. You can start from Wytheville in the morning and get here next evening. If it did not cost so much money, I would ask father to come but as it is I will not unless I get sick or wounded which I hope will not be the case. We drew our money a few days ago and if I had a chance I would like to send a little home. I want you whenever you write me again to tell me whether you get my letters and of what date. I have written 4 letters since I left Glade Springs besides the one at Staunton the 13th of July. This one you acknowledged having received and one other, so I do not know if it was the one I wrote from Rockingham Co. or the one at Camp Early dated the 30th or 31st. Well, you ask is it true that Gen Lee has resigned and who will take his place. I answer it is not true, hence nobody will take his place. But you go on to say it has gotten to be the opinion of nearly everybody that we are going up the "spout". Well, I acknowledge that our prospects do look more gloomy than they have for some time. But it will not do for us to give the thing up at what it is. We must put our trust in a power above that of man. We must trust in God to deliver our country from ruin. The Yankees must not be let come in there and destroy the railroads. And if they should get in and destroy it they must be repaired and go at it again. Its takes perseverance to accomplish anything. But if it is contrary to the will of God, let the worst come as soon as possible. I must now close. Write soon and often. Do not put any confidence in any flying rumors that you may hear. We have not been in any fight and are not expecting any shortly. Respectfully, your son,
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