Harpers Ferry, Va.
September 14, 1862

Dear Becca:

I again have an opportunity of writing you a few lines to inform you that I am still on the "Land of the Living." Blessed with reasonable health, for which I feel truly thankful to Him who has spared my life and protected me through our perilous expidition.
I have nothing of an interesting character to write to you at this time. I can only say that we are in sight of the enemy, and while I am writing these lines, I hear the thundering tones of the artillery close at hand and I don't know what minute we will be called into action. We have been across the river into Maryland but we came back into Va. a day or two ago, though we still have a heavy force in Maryland yet.
We have been in several engagements since I saw you at Gordonsville, and out regiment has suffered severly. Many of our noble boys have fallen on the field killed and wounded. Among the wounded, R.M. Barrett is on the list. Though I think his wounds are not very dangerous. He was wounded in the thigh and ankle. I detailed John L. Fletcher to wait on him at the hospital. I haven't heard from him since the next day after he was wounded. I came across Bob on the field after he was wounded, while the fight was still raging most furiously. He had tied up his wound himself. He asked me to give him some water and to stay with him. But as I had command of the company it was impossible for me to stay with him, so I tarried only a moment with him and then joined my company, and in that awful struggle, just one half of my gallant little company fell killed and wounded. But enough about these horrid scenes. I want you to be cheerful and keep in good heart and if you hear of me falling, be assured that it is my determination to fall at my post. Though I hope that it may be my happy lot to return to you and all my friends soon. I want you to write to me soon,
Kiss Alice for me. From your most affectionate husband

James H. Barrett