Dear Father

I imbrace the present oportunity of writeing you It may be some time before I shall have an oportunity of sending any out again And if such should be the case you will be informed of the cause and will not be disapointed if you do not get them very regular
I suppose that Sherman will cut loose from communication again and get lost he is going to meet the lyon

as they call old Johnson [sp. Johnston] I do not anticipate any very serious engagements from his army I think we have some thing over 100000 men all told in this army This army is divided into the grand divisions and Scofield [sp. Schofield] commands the center and Logan the left and Slocum the right The 14" A. C belongs with us now and some other force but I do not know what The news is very encourageing The report is that Lee and his Staff and 12000 prisoners have been lately taken I only hope it is so I had a letter from Walter last night his was mailed the 29" every thing was quiet

I understand that the orders are to march at 8 oclock in the morning and others say at 12 Our regt is guarding a pontoon across the river we are about 3 miles from town and have been here ever since yesterday morning
I will close by bidding you good night Write soon and all of the news I remain as ever your affectionate Son

H E Randall