Keokuk  Iowa        Aug 13th, 1864

Dear Brother James

I now sit down to try my hand in wrighting a few lines to you although I have wrote to you since I got one from you but have moved my headquarters since then. Am at Keokuk Iowa. Came here a few days ago. I havent had anny letter from anny one
(SECTION MISSING)

I am going to get to my regt as soon as I can. I don’t think there is much chance of me getting a furlough and I am in a hurry to get out of the hospital. I never did like a hospital. In fact I never was in one before and never want to be again. I supose you have found out how soldiering goes by this time. I hurd you
(SECTION MISSING)

My health is good and my leg has got wel. Hope this will find you in good health and good spirits. I will close now. Write as soon as you
(SECTION MISSING)

Give my specks to all enquiring friends.
(REMAINDER MISSING)