Atlanta Ga March 16 th 1862
Dear wife

I take this opportunity to try to let you know where I am and that I am still alive, though I have been very low down for a long time. I shall not be able to write much. My sickness has been chronic Diarrhea, Bronchitis, Lung Fever and Piles, each case bad enough and good to hold on.

I don't think I could possibly have been alive now without good luck, till I got word that people here were really making arrangements to accommodate sick soldiers and as that was one thing that I had never seen yet, I resolved to be off on the first train if possible.

I had help to the Depot and went on board of a splendid passenger train and set my self where I liked best and stood ride first rate - done me good. We got here at 4 O'clock 1 st March and I know whether I shall ever be able to get away or not without help though I still think may be there is a chance.

After I began to improve in everything generally and was beginning to gain strength and beginning to sit up a little I then took the Rheumatism and its said that I shall have it very badly. I know it has been very bad so far and has gained ground very fast to work on.

I don't have any idea that I hold a pencil in my right hand by tomorrow to write a line and that is the reason I try to write now because I am not able to be up even on the bed, that but little at a time.

I have wrote too long and must stop short.

I expect to try to get where I may ever leave the hospital where I could get South. I don't want to do anything dishonorable, but I can't work Northwards anymore. I don't know where the regiment is and I don't know that they have any idea where I am, but I expect you know more about that than I do because they write to their friends at home and every body gets a little news.

I must stop now. Farewell and kiss the baby but don't it yet.

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