Camp near Stanton Va
May the 20th 1863

Dear Wife

I take my pen in hand to write you a few lines to let you know where we are and what we are doing. We are now encamped 5 miles West of Stanton, we arrived here this evening. I dont think we will stay here long. I think we will go on down the vally.

We are going into active service this summer, they intend showing us the yankees shortly. We have had very plesent weather for our march. On the 23rd we passed over the natural bridge, here we spent about 2 hours viewing the bridge and cuting, our names. The 24th we passed the town of Lexington, here we were dismounted & formed in a line & marched around the grave of the heroic Jackson.

Lexington is a beautiful little town. I wrote you when we were at Salem and told you I would write again When we got to Stanton. I havent been to Stanton yet. Some of the boys are going this evening to take the letters to the office. I havent anything of much importance to write this time. I will write again shortly, perhaps I will have more stiring news than I have at this time.

I want you to have them boots made if possible & sent me the first chance. Lieut Fields will be coming up shortly, you can send them by him. Barnet and Dack overtook us at Salem. Dack requests me to say to his folks that he is well & out of paper or he would write. I will stop writing, for the boys wants me to draw there ra­tions, so they can go to cooking there supper.

Do the best you can for yourself, I cant tell when we will be at home again, perhaps never, but I hope to the reverse. I am well at present, hoping these lines may find you well. Write as soon as you get these lines & let me know how you are doing. Direct to Stanton Va Col Fergusons Regt 16th Va Cavl.

I.V. Reynolds