My dear Sister:

     Charly Johnson who has been on a visit to our Camp for several days goes home this morning. I cannot fail to write a few hurried, although uninteresting words—just to let you know that the box has been received; for which I am very thankful. Captain J. C. Holmes [i.e., Capt. James C. Holmes, Co. A, 30th Virginia Infantry] has not yet returned to duty—although his detail expired several days ago. Milton tells me he is in Richmond, and says that he has a letter for me. I should be glad to have it. We are now in Camp at a point about 4 miles nearer Fredericksburg then we were when I last wrote. We are just in rear of the famous battle ground of Fredericksburg, and the Valley of the Rappahannock. You must send for Charlie and make him explain our position to you. He has been down in the plain and has some idea of our splendid position. We are here in picket duty—serving three days and resting three. We may move again before you hear from me. We have had snow on the ground for nearly two weeks. It is raining, as I write—a slow, measured fall, peculiar to this climate. The roads are terrible beyond description. Charlie tells me that people are paying off their debts very fast. I should be glad, if

Dr. could collect enough to pay off all my notes and accounts. They amount in all to something over two thousand Dollars, counting interest and principal. I wish particularly for Dr. to pay himself all that I owe him—have no scruples about it. Please ask him to retain all notes discharged. If I shall have an opportunity, be sure I shall come and see you, if for only a few days. God knows my heart's always with you, and now more than ever. I am anxious to see our darling Annie Belle's last resting place on earth. —
Tell Uncle Moses, I want him to plant about one acre of good land in oats. And not to allow my calves and sheep to eat off too close my seed pastures—and not to turn any animal into the grass pasture in the Mulberry orchard before the grass is well set and growing finely, and then not to allow the grass to be eaten off close. — Charl[illeg] is about ready to start and I must close this hurried note.
Give my love to all, to Dr., and the dear little children with many Kisses. May God bless you all!

Your affectionate Brother
W. W. Sillers