Fraisis City, La.
February 23, 1863

Dear Parents, Brothers and Sisters,
     Having a little spare time today, I thought I would write you a few lines. I have just finished one to Rosa. I don’t know as I can write anything new, but perhaps you would like to receive a letter direct from me. Well I am here, as you might say, in the swamps of Louisiana. Am well, but don’t see any prospect of getting home very soon. I have had the satisfaction, if it be any, of being shot at by the Rebs. One shell struck within ten feet of where I stood. Others were lying near me. If it had exploded, it probably would have sent some of us to our final home. I tell you, I had very queer feelings, till after the second shot. By that time I became quite cool and saw the other shots without a tremor. They threw eight six inch shells at us, before we could return the compliment. Then, we silenced them in a hurry. But I tell you, it was no desirable job to stand up and be shot at. But I suppose we have got to take it and make the best of it. I must say, I don’t like the way they carry on the war in this country. There seems to be much child’s play about it. I think there is a little to much speculation going on to make it a successful war, but I am not to be a judge. I might give more particulars, but think it will not answer at present. I must say, that so far, I have enjoyed better health and fared better than I expected when I left home. I see quite a number of the Sherbune boys every day. They are well. I will name a few of them: Charlie Smith, Le Shaw, Grey Deitz, Rus Bakes. Ock White has his discharge, is going home before long. Quite a number of our officers have been sick. Leiutenant Bnel has been sick, but is able to be around. I understand that C. Page has been detailed into the General Quarter Masters Department at New Orleans. He has been in our regimental guide department. I would like to see you all very much and am in hopes to do so in some future time. I think of you all and would write to you often, but we don’t have much spare time, and when we do, we feel like laying down and resting. I dream of home and friends often and wake to be sadly disappointed. My views on the war are different, then when I left home, but will not explain them now. Nor, do I see any prospect of its coming to a close at present. I would like you all to write often and send late papers. It does a soldier good to hear from home and friends often. I mean to write Rosa every week, so you can hear from me often. I cannot write to all I want to write to, but I think of you just as much. I little thought one year ago, that in so short a time, that I should be so far away from home and friends so dear, and had I thought at the time I enlisted that I should be sent so far away from my wife and child, my patriotism would have lost some of its ardor. I have not heard from Rosa, or any of you in a long time, but think there is a better country coming. I want you all to be very kind to Rosa and Charlie, and she says you are. She is, as it were, no parents in the world, and no husband to take care of her. She must be very lonely indeed. One thing is certain, If I were at home I would never leave it again on my account. Love to all, write often.

From your affectionate son and brother,
S. S. Dunton