p.

I feel that I am in the right
and have not felt differrently since
I enlisted, at all; I [underline]may not be[/underline]; If I am
[underline]wrong[/underline], I hope to be forgiven; I may not
go into battle. I spoke to [Dn?] Allen the
day before yesterday and he said he
should want me in a very few days,
and if the Reg. goes into action before
we get there I shall be called on; if I am
not I shall do what I think is my
duty to God and my Country: If I fall
I fall with a firm purpose; I do not
have the least ill feeling toward any
living being. Troops have been passing
here ever since we had the orders, and
now the artillery wagons are rumbling by in the
dark. Some like 20000 men have passed
here since noon; no doubt there will be
300000 men under arms tomorrow on our
side; they go sure of a victory, and I do
not expect to see this camp till we have
seen Richmond, and some other parts

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of the South, if I live to go with
the Army. I hope to see home again;
I may not; I may never even write thee
again. Give my love to all my friends.
I have not time to write to Mary now
but will, if I get a chance. I have just
written to Ann, and the letters will
go in the morning, I suppose.

I must bid you all farewell; it may
be [underline]forever[/underline]; it [underline]may not[/underline]; I trust it is not;
if it is I do not fear to meat my fate.

[underline]Dear Mother Farewell. Thomas, Charly
Mary, Horace, Howard, Jane, Melissa,
all.[underline]. Farewell.

In much love to all,

William B.