Dear Father

I acknowledged the receit of a kind letter bearing the date of 15th And it would seem by that you were somewhat disapointed as to the takeing of Richmond Well I do not know but what I should have been if I had been there but we were not for there is so many storys going in camp that we do not believe any of them but think that there may be a possibility but not a probibility of such a thing
I am very much obliged to you for that chew of tobacco and I would not care if I was at home to take one with you

But I supposed that I shall be deprived of such a privalige at present but I am in hopes after I have been at from home about 1 year that I can get a leave of absence for a short time if this war does not and I do not feel discouraged yet nor you must not let a little reverses in our armys for it is only for a short time for I see by the papers speak of the death of their best Generals in my estimation Stonewall Jackson he has been the cause of our defeat in a great many instances dont you think so the first was at the Battle of Bulls Run and he has repeated his tricks untill as we would call it played out and it would seem

by the papers that Old Jeff was getting a little despondent and I dont wonder at it for I think his time short which I hope in all consience is for he has carried on a big strok of business he has caused trouble enough for so small but he will get his just derserts sooner or later Well I must draw letter to a close for I am not as well as night be I have been vaccinated and it is working finely I suppose that is the reason that I do not feel better good by write soon and the news

H E Randall