We did not leave so much as I was in hopes we should this morn. but the 25th Regt has gone. It went this morn. & we acted as their escort as you will probably see by the paper that will no doubt give quite an account of it as near three Cos. were mostly Portland boys. I assure you it looked like a little army to me but I expect in a short time it would not be much of a show.
The 7th Regt. now occupies the barracks vacated by the 25th. They are hard looking boys & their colors are badly cut. I have seen Babson Jennings & he looks "harder than a brick." The boys most all tell rather tough stories but I have heard nothing

as yet to discourage me at all. I expect that tonight is the last night's rest that we shall have this week for they tell us that we surely go Saturday morn. "Bully for us." We are all or nearly all ready for the move. We are nearly equipped but we have not our guns & it is doubtful whether we have them before we go.
We shall have a rousing time tomorrow night I expect. The 25th boys had last night. I am so hardy that it seems as if I can endure anything. I coughed considerble night before last on account of the cold that I took when I was at home & then last night I volunteered to go on guard to relieve one of our boys that had been on guard 3 hours without being relieved. I had to stand 3 1/2 hours at one time it was cold enough to freeze--but it did not harm me at all that I am aware.

I received a letter from Delinda [i.e., Delinda Jackson] last night & one from Mary tonight. she wants Delora [i.e., Delora Jackson] to write to her.
I suppose that we shall send home our things Saturday.
I shall send home my shoes or gunboats as they appear.
I have seen some of the most curious performances that you could imagine. with knives & balls by a man who came into our barrack to show his skill & dexterity this afternoon.
It dont seem to me that I told you anything that I wanted to but I shall have the more to tell you when I come home to stop
Father what do you think now of my having a faint heart on account of the draft?
You got the "wrong pig by the ear" for once.
There is now one of the 7th boys in here & he is telling some bully stories

about battles that the 7th has been in I like first rate to hear him.
I shall write again as soon as I have any place to stop long enough so that I can have an opportunity to do so.
Take care of yourselves. Hurra for Dixie. I am going to be so very careful that nothing will harm me.
I bought this paper of a poor soldier but one will have to be in very great need before I shall take any such excellent paper again.
I think that letters directed to me in care of Capt D. B. Varney Co. A. 23. ME Regt will reach me any time.
You must all pray for me for I am in a hard place

Very affectionately yours.
John M Jackson

The Jackson family.