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Camp of 3rd Miss Regt.
My Dear Cousin Sallie	Hear	Canton Ms. Dec. 16th, 1863
I would like to write you a long and interesting letter but really I must say like the guilty prisoner "I have nothing to say.? We are all as quite as if we were exiles on a desert island. V.?e hear nothing from any of our armies, of importance for sometime and as for this Department, I believe the enemy have forgotten all about it. Though it is the belief of most the officers here that Grant will be around to pay us a visit by some time in Jan next. I expect to have leave of absense in time to be some where near you before next year. When I hope to see you in good health and as lovely as ever. I am enjoying good health as is my brothers. Give my love to all the family : and accept the love same for yourself.
Your Devoted Cousin John