August 24th 1863. 

Dear Cousin Hen,

I received your very welcome letter of the 19th inst. and was mutch pleased to see therin that you with the rest of my Folks and Friends, is in good health. Your letter found me as usual in Good health and Spirits, (I dont mean Whiskey spirits). For I think that the Commissary Whiskey will kill a man a dam sight further than the Rebble’s Lead, what think you. I would like very much to be down to the Island for 2 or 3 days to have some sport, fishing. For I think that Mrs. Vankliefs Apple Jack and some of her fish hooks would make me catch Week fish like. . . well say, one hundred and thirty five at a tide. Then I would not be played out half as mutch as I would going on a Division drill. I think you are very foolish if you go on a Transport on the Mississippy, for it is the Dambdest river that ever ran up hill. I am acquainted with 2 or 3 men that has been on the Miss and a person could not get them there again if they undertook to do it with a cable. I am in camp now in a handsome wood near the Selebrated Sulphur Springs of Va on this side of the Rapahanack. But how long the Rebs will let us enjoy it I cannot say for the Gray Backs is dam thick along the Rapadan river.

By the accounts as I see by the New York Papers the draft will be conducted with little if enny rioting and the old Regiments will soon be filled up. Hen, why dont you apply for to get in my Regiment. We want more officers as soon as the Regt is filled with conscrips. By you stating your case to the Governor he wil send you to my Regiment, for he has sent two new 2nd Lieuts here lately. The 62d is a booley Regt and I would like to have you out here very mutch. I expect my Commishion will be a 1st Lieut instead of 2d when it comes which will be some time this week. I wrote Emma a letter 2 days ago in answer to hers. So after asking you to give my love to inquireing friends especially the young Ladys of the Island. For Instance

Mary Beck

Susan Hooper

and my Richmond Gal, I will close. No I wont either. Hen, I want you to kiss Aunt Betsy for me and give my Respects to all the married women in general. Write as soon as this comes to hand. Then I will Remain your Cousin in love and Friendship 

Lieut A. T. Perine 62d Regt N. Y. Vols. Washington, D.C. or Elsewhere. 

Kerr, M. (1955) In love and friendship.