Harpers Ferry, Va.
September 14, 1862

Mother: I send you my best respects. Mother if it were possible that the 37th Regiment would land at Abingdon on the 20th of this month, and it was ascertained by all the citizens of Russell, Scott, Lee and Washington, that on that day we would land, what would be the feeling and anxiety. Oh! what a happy day with the soldiers and some of the citizens. But a deep pang would reach the heart of many a poor mother, when she saw that her son did not return. And many wives anxiously waiting to meet a beloved companion and he would not be there. But imagine the joy of the mother that meets the beloved son whom she has not seen for sixteen months, and the wife meeting that husband who has been gone from his home so long. The scene would be unspeakable. But that day will come sooner or later and I hope and trust that I may be so fortunate as to be one among that number that will arrive safely.
I must close for want of time.

Your affectionate son until death.

J. H. Barrett

To C.A. Barrett