THE WAR FOR THE UNION

Camp Jackson
Williamsfort
Dec the 17th/ 61

My afectionate Father

this day in good health and with a (illegible) mind I seat my self to let you know that I am yet living and have not forgoten you yet. We left Hancock last Thursday morning and came part way here and stayed over night and came here Friday noon, but we do not expect to stay here long. to day it is very warm here and it has been for the last two weeks. there is considerable excitment here about England helping the south. there for the last two weeks there has ben skirmishes all along the river from (illegible city name) 4 miles below here as far up as Cumberland. the opinion of the soldiers here is that General Banks will cross the River here soon with the whole division. we have herd from (illegible) 3 times this fall. we here that (illegible) is at home. we would like to come home on a visit but as things ar I do not expect we can come this Winter. thare is not much news at present of (illegible) (illegible) whilst we wer at (illegible) 1 Captain and 6 privets of the (illegible) boys wer taken Prisoners below here they crossed the river and the Rebel (illegible) cut off they retreat and with some fiting they wer taken. this from your son


M. L. French