Camp of 36th Reg. Mass. Vols.
Cold Springs near Nicholasville [Kentucky]
August 19th [1863]

My dear father,

You feel rather slighted at my neglect in writing you and I do not in the least blame you. but I should certainly have written before this had we not been continually moving since the 4th of July. However, I requested mother to send you the ones I send her so that you may know what we have been about for the last two months.

Received tonight two letters from you dated July 27th and July 5th. I think all your letters are received and will try in future to answer promptly. Excuse me for past neglect.

We are now stationed in a grove four miles from Nicholasville, Ky., and are told that we are to have a long rest. I hope so for we need it. Regiment now numbers about 500 men fit for duty. Many have died and many are in the hospitals. The Mississippi Campaign nearly killed us all. Men who were on the Peninsula say that it did not equal what we went through.

But the taps have long sounded and I must get up early so I will bid you good night. Hoping you are well and happy. I am yours truly, — Charley

Will write again soon as possible. — Charley

Excuse great haste.

Next Letter: 20 August 1863