Page 1 August 12, 1862

Camp Near Battle Creek, Aug 12, 1862

Dear Sister;

Yours of the 4th inst.
was received yesterday ev-
ening. It found me
well, and at the same
old camp. We are for-
tifying here; and last
Sunday we had a cha-
nce to try our hand
in picking and shovel-
ing, which, you would
better believe, was very
hot work. Yesterday
evening the left wing
of our regiment went
to work and returned
this morning. We expe-
ct to work tomorrow. This
morning we drilled
two hours, and this even
will do the same.