Washington, D.C., 2003
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Camp at Fair Oak VA
Dear and well Rememberd Friend,
Your very kind and interesting letter of the 13 came to hand yesterday and oh you cannot immagine how glad I was to hear from you I had not got a letter from home Since the battle and I thought you was all dead. I also got a letter from Mother yesterday So I feel pretty well Satisfide at present. Juliana do be as contented as you posibly can a bout Tilton for I think he is as Safe as can be. I am Shure he was not killed for we was all over the battle field where he was See[n] last and wher[e] our compiny fought and not a Sign of him could we find. And if he had of been wounded they would not of took him for they did not take any of our wounded for they had a nough to do to get there own a way. There was an orderly Surgant in compiny E Wounded and there was a young fellow by the name of Larimer was taking care of him and the Rebbles came and took Larimer and Stuck up a Shelter tent over the wounded man and left him there. This Larimer was a guide the Same as Tilton was. Him and Tilton both Staid in one tent when was as head Quarters So Tilton will not be a lone if he is a prisner. There was 3 more out of our Co. prisoners John Osburn [Osborn] for one.
Alb Reynolds has just been after me to go down to the Regiment and See Billy. He cut his big toe of[f] him and Alb was out cutting puncheon for a bed and he cut his toe of[f] and then Doctor Hichhold [Heichhold] cut of[f] a nother peace to make it eaven. So it was a very Sore opperration and it will put an end to his Soldering for one year. E.L [Eavings?] of our compiny Shot him Self through the foot So they are going to Send him and Billy a way this afternoon. I presume they will send them to Philadelphia. I think Billy will get his discharge with out any trouble.
Oh, I tell you our Compiny dont a mount to much. I dont think they can muster over 25 men for duty. Frank Hamaker told me to give you all his best Respects. I pitty poor Frank he is not very well I think he is a little home Sick. I Shook hands with Billy and bid him good by for I dont think I will ever See him in this army a gan for I think he will get his discharge at least I hope So for I think he is rather young to Stand the hardShip a man has got to go through hear. I to[ld] him to write as Soon as he got to his Stopping and [let] you know how he was getting a long. He has got Tiltons likeness. I told him if he went home to keep it and take it a long and if he Staid in the hospital to mail it home and he Said he would take good care of it and keep it Safe and Sound.
Our Division is finishing up there forts and rifle pits to day they will mount the rest of the cannon to night. I will Send you a little Sketch of the fort that the 105 made. It is a very Strong little peace of work. We are all very anxious for this battle to come of[f] for we want to See the Rebles Capital and then I am willing that the war Should close for we are getting tiard of it. BeSids it is getting very Sickly and that is Some thing that dont a gree with us. John S. Smith just came past hear. He was back Seeing the adgitant. I have not Seen the adgitant for 3 weeks. I have got them things of Tiltons yet. I guess I can sell them shoes when the boys gets paid of[f] agan. If I do I will Send the money to you by mail. His likeness and letters I will keep as long as I can perhap[s] if we get in to Richmond I can Send them home by express. Well diner is a bout ready and I must close. Good By and dont for get to write Soon [nomore?]. But I still remain your most humble and Sincier friend.
Joseph Green
[P.S.] Direct to Kearneys Division Army of the Potomac in care of Provost Marshal