.NDMy.NTA4

with a magsine by Corp. Baker. We have had a most terific storm this evening first such a storm as that done so much damage [illegible] Alton. I picked up a hail stone on inch in diameter. You ask me how the companies are numbered the following is the way: b 2; g 7; k 10; l 5; h 8; c 3; i 9; d 4; f 6; a 1. Company A ranks the highest b the second c third etc. A and B are called drilled in skirmish and C is the flag company. To day the orders are that we shall start on friday one regiment left on monday another to day, there is so much government freight that troops can only be transported every other day. You did not say a word about receiving my letters, I can not see why the mail is so slow. Lieut. H has received Charlies letter and says he will answer it soon. The drum is beating for the 8 O clock roll call so will close for the night. How many envelopes did you send me in that last paper, it had been opened before I got it there was but three I thought some might have been taken. Thursday eve we have every thing ready to start to morrow am 8 O clock, immagine how I would look with a twenty pound knapsack haversack with five days rations cartrage box canteen and a eleven pound gun. I have been washing to day it is the first pair there [begin vertical writing] has been this camp [vertical writing end]