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[begin vertical writing] our Heavenly father will watch over and keep me from all harm. Your brother James Rowe. more anon P.S. on opening your letter their were a queer smell penetratin my nostrils. Something similar to a muskrat; even now I can smell it. Puts me in mind of letters I reced from Maggie. Wont you send me some of the good stuff so as I can drop a few drops on the letters I write ["Ahen"?] Rowe. [vertical writing end]

Morganza, La. September 2d, 1864, My Beloved Sister, Having a few spare moments to myself, which I have not had before for the last 3 days I will attempt to answer your letter, also the note you enclosed in [Mollie?] Gelders letter. Day before yesterday we received orders to be ready to march at a moments warning. Consequently I was very buissey all day, trying to get away some sick, which took me all day. And at night I was very tired and sore from riding back and forward to Head Quarters. And on yesterday I had to post up my books and make out my monthly report. To day I feel some better that I have been for the last two days. On last eve. the orders we received the day before were countermanded and now we are ignirat when we will leave this place. We may go in a day or two or it may be weeks before we leave. Where we will next turn up I know not. Some think at Atlanta 'Yea." Others Memphis or there abouts. I fact: no one knows any thing about the movements, or destination, but should we leave and as soon as I have time I will let you know our where abouts. I reced your & Mother letters last evening. Several of the boys reced letters stating the death of William Smiths "father." Willie also received one. At the time the mail came Billy was out on Picket and we all thought best not to send out the letter to him as their were no sergant that could relieve him from duty. He came in from Picket this morning and they gave him his letter. I have just been over to see him, poor fellow he takes it very hard. The letter he reced was wrote by