Dear Father it is with the greates of pleasure that I take this opportunity to let you know that Frank [i.e., Sgt. James F. Fryrear, Co. K, 84th Illinois Infantry] and I are well and hope your the same. I have bin on guard one day and night. Frank has to. Thare is some of the boys is sick some five or six of them we have got oyr Uniform they are lite blew pants and dark blew coats with long tails we have bin on dres prade we look nise I tel you. thare is almost A ful rejiment I belive thare is one cumpany has no uniform

We have poark and beef and bread and coffee the bacon can run off if it wanted to it is plum full of annimals. we have rice and homany Sugar and that is all I dont know how long we will sta here I think about A month or so there was A fight just A cros the rivere the other day our folks got rather the worst of it. John welch and Clum mitchel [i.e., Pvt. Carey Mitchell, Co. K, 84th Illinois Infantry] was here yesterday the rest of our men ar cumming to day. Yo can tell notts [i.e., Pvt. Henry B. Nott, Co. G, 84th Illinois Infantry] folks that he is well and will be home as soon as he is sworn in
     I belive that I have told you all so I will quit for the present.

and still remain your most sinsear son
     Write to company K 84 rejiment ilanois Volinteers in care of Capt Mcgaw Camp Quincy

     Tell Mrs Fryrears folks how to direct there letters

     All of you write