My dear Wife:

I have not been able to send a letter to you since we crossed the River on the 23rd and I know that you must be very uneasy about me. I am well and unwounded.

We marched to Gettysburg Pa where we fought on the 1st 2nd & 3rd of July. On the first two days our armies were triumphant; on the last we were badly repulsed in the Centre and the 3rd Corps badly cut up. I was relieved from duty as Pro. Marshall and went into the battle. On the 1st my Battalion was deployed as Skirmishers and lost only 7 men wounded although we drove the Calvary Pickets & Skirmishers of the Enemy over three miles; during the battle a shell exploded at my feet covering me with dirt and filling my eyes. Our Brigade led the attack, drove the Enemy but being unsupported was forced to fall back. On the 3rd we were in the front line and charged the enemy thru' an open field about a mile. Some of the Brigade again reached the top of the Hill and drove the enemy; but again the supporting lines broke and we were drawn back with great loss. The whole corps was routed, and we lost many prisoners. My loss in this battle was 43 out of 98 men. Some are prisoners & unhurt. In my old company Tom Barnes was wounded slightly in leg, C.E. Denison taken prisoner, or rather missing. I think he is badly wounded or killed. J. D. Tuerman was shot in the shoulder severely. The Battalion fought well in both battles. I got within 50 yds of the breastworks when our line gave way and being completely exhausted lay down in a lane for 15 or 20 minutes, under a very heavy fire. I then ran out, and succeeded in getting back to our line unhurt, although overheated and broken down. The next evening we fell back and have retreated to this place. We sent our wounded back, but they were all nearly captured by the enemy. Our entire loss must be very heavy. Two wagons from each Reg't was sent back loaded with wounded, and that was attacked and captured by the Calvary of Enemy. We lost nearly four hundred Wagons. I think we will recross the River as soon as it becomes fordable. We have not heard a word from home, nor indeed any where since we have been over the River. Our army was buoyant and full of life and the repulse wholly unexpected by men & officers. My health has not been good and I am worn out with the exposure and hardships of the last week. I have not been able to change my clothing for ten days, and don't know where we will meet the wagon again. I will write to you every opportunity I meet with, but have little hope of hearing from you soon.