.ODAy.NTIwMzE

I am very much inclined to believe, from the recent cheering news from Genl. Shermans army in the South and the indications around me here that, the long hoped and prayed-for end of this war is nearer than we scarcely dare hope or our enemies wish to believe, from the numerous desertions from the Rebel to our lines here, it is prety evident, that the Soldiers at least begin to see the folly of prolonging the sacrifice of life, during last night about eighty came into the Picket lines in front of this Brigade, and expressed themselves tired of their cause, and to judge from their looks and actions I should think they would be, not one in a dozen is half clothed and from the appetite the show for our hard bread you would imagine they were nearly starved - if the privates on each side could have the privilege of settling this strife they would soon do it by shaking hands and each one going home in the shortest time possible, when one is brought into camp here the men treat them as tho they was old acquaintances and friends instead of enemies. I believe that by another 4th of July we shall be able to celebrate our Independence day in truth and in spirit. God grant I may not be mistaken. I am not very good at discriptions, (as well as letter writing) yet I feel bound to give you some idea of my appearance. I am a native of Vermont though that has