Camp Near Orange Cort House Va.
Sept the 29 1863
Dear brother
After respects I drop you a few lines which leaves me jest tolerable well her hoping they may find you enjoying the same Gods blessing I received yours of the 13 of this month, and have never had the chance to anser until now I have no news this morning Everything is still this morning, tho we have our marching orders We have to keep two days rashings at hand It is supposed that we will go to Port Royal, about sixty miles down the river from where we were in camp last winter, tho it is uncertain where we will go when we start I never make any calculations when we are throwing up breast works day and night, and have been for two weeks We will soon be fortified to Chancelorsville works where we fought last spring We have been looking for a big fight here for some time, tho I hope we will not have to fight here anymore Mat I heard that the Yankees were between Bristol and Abingdon, and I am afraid they will come to the Salt Works yet We have a heap of guard duty to do now We have to go on guard every other night Mat I will have to close James Holly is well and sends his "Howdy" to you Matt Tell N.M. that I would like to see her, and write to me and let me know where she is and what she is doing for herself I want to see you all very badly at this time I would like to see the children, and would like to see my "Pink" too, so I will close for the present Mat I want you to tell Mother to pay Dr. Henry what is coming to him It is not more than two or three dollars, I don't think Give my love and respects to J.D.B. So, will bring my few badly composed lines to a close. Write soon -- nothing more, only
I remain your affectionate Brother until death
Benjamin M. Blackwell
To: Mr. Mathew R. Blackwell
Tell the children "Howdy" for me
So farewell for this time