July 1st 1865

Dear Wife,

I have just seen and had a talk with one of Co. B of our regiment and he tells me that all of our men whose time is out before the 1st of October is down here to be mustered out and that the veterans is till there and have got to stay and that some of them in is prison in Richmond for deserting.

One hour later. Two of our boys has just been in to see me and they say that the Vets of our regiment has got but [ ] show for getting our amount that they owe in [ ] about. If what they tell me that they have got a big lot of work to do yet.

I was mustered yesterday for two months pay and if I can get it, I will try to get home on a furlough for I might stay my time outhere yet before I get out of the army. I shall go out and see the rest of the boys after dinner. Then I will write more.

I just got back from the camp where the boys was and they have started for the boat so all that is to go from our regiment is on their way home. I have been home only thirty-five days in over four years and I would like to get there and be a free man once more but my chance is poor. These fellows are one year’s men and Col. [ ] has kept them two months over time and if he gets orders to muster out the Veterans of ’63, he will keep us two months longer than he has any right to. I hope that if I can get a furlough that you will be well enough to come back here with me. But there is little hopes of my getting one. But if I get two months pay soon, I shall try hard for one.

I will now close hoping this will find you in good health for it leaves me mad. Yours truly, — Chet