Dear Minerva & Children

     I have had but few leisure moments since I left home I now snatch the first spare time to write you I am to go as the Quartermaster of this the 53rd Regiment William Jones [i.e., Lt. Col. William Jones, 53rd Indiana Infantry] goes as Lieutenant Colonel Dr Hugland [i.e., Asst. Surg. John S. Hoagland, 53rd Indiana Infantry] assistant Surgeon This is all of our orignial officers who have been retained
     Our future we know nothing about We are placed here to guard some 4,000 Rebel prisoners They are a very hard looking set of men Scarcely any two dressed alike and they seem to be very little cultivated indeed they seem to be more animal than man
     Dr Hugland is now hurrying me and I can write but little more I wish business managed as well as possible on the farm I want Dr Hougland to bring Yellow Jim for me to ride Tell John to take him to Town and assist in getting him on the Boat He need not bring either bridle or Saddle a halter will do
     Try to heed the children as much at their Books as possible

Your affectionate husband
George Thomas