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Brast-works, Near Howletts House.

Sept. 17th, 1864.

John W. Martin

Dear Brother,

In order to comply with your request, I avail myself of the present opportunity, to write you a few lines, to give you a few Items news. In the first place, I am indeed glad to inform you that I received that Box of provision in due time. It was all right, and for which I give you ten thousand thanks. But I am sorry to tell you that I have been unable to enjoy it in the full sense of the term. I had taken sick the day that it came in camp, but not very bad, but my appetite for eating is quite dull. But if those good things had not been here I could not have eatten any of the rations we draw so taken every thing into consideration they came in the right time, for I assure you that some of those good things has been the cause of me getting better, for some of them were every refering to me, although I did not eat much at a time. But I hope I will be able in a few days to eat of all the good things you sent. Tell Mother that Col. Smith thanks her for that sugar cake that she sent him. James M. Robinson is at the Hospital at Richmond, T. P. Fuller came from Richmond to day he says James is no better the dirheah has not stoped yet.

A. W. Martin's furlough has been sent up to the proper authorities, it has passed Gen. Corse all right, and I suppose it will to through, he is a looking for it in every day. I have no particular news to write at present, only our company appears to be more sickly now than ever before since it was a company.

I was glad to that you were all well, that that there is no cavalry in old Russell and also that the prospects for a good crop of corn is go good. When you write to me a gain (which I hope you will do as soon as this letter comes to hand) to tell me what you know about Winton W. Burk, Benj. Chapman and other of my fellow soldiers.

I will now close by invoking the blessings of heaven upon you, Mother, Jane, Sally, Archer [...] all of my relatives and friends. Yea! upon my enemies also.

I am yours as ever.

H. W. Martin