Edge Hill Albermarle

April 18, 1864

Dear Bettie,

I received your ever welcome letter about three weeks ago. Was very glad to hear from you. As Ma and Brother stopped to see you all I reckon they gave you all of the news they both send their love to you; Brother will start to the army next week I will be very sorry when he starts but reckon it is his duty to go. Uncle Will expects to go to camp Lee next Monday he hates to go very much says he [unclear: had] most as soon be hung as to go. Lutie was very sick Easter. She had an attack of the croup. I was very glad when Ma came home as I could not manage her very well I reckon if Ma had known it she would not have stoped. she has gotten entirely well now she sends her love to Aunt Mee cousin Mollie you and Wink says she wants to see you all very much. You asked me if I was much frightened when the Yankees came so near us they came within a mile of us the fight was only two or three miles from here we could hear the cannon very distinctly I was not frightened much not half as much as I expected there happened to be an Artilly camp in this neighborhood who bravely defended us, we should be very grateful to them. The Government has pressed the meat all through here left only a quarter of a pound to those over twelve and too ounces to those under twelve. I reckon they have hardly gotten as far as Amherst yet Ask Aunt Mollie if she remembers saying she wished she had a brother in the Army her wish has come to pass but I reckon she will wish he is out before the war is over. Give my love to Uncle Bob Aunt Mollie Aunt Mee and Wink and please accept a large portion for yourself.

Your aff. cousin,

Nelie W.

Please excuse bad writing and all mistakes. Write soon to your devoted cousin, Nelia