Dear Aunt, 

Your kind and welcome missive reached me in due time I am very sorry to hear of your health being so poor this Spring. Oh it must be distressing to be thus aflicted. I fear I should not have the patience to thus bear illness without a murmur. However, I cannot but feel thankful that it has been no worse. I am very glad to learn that Uncle Reuben is enjoying such good health and I know he must feel more cheerful while he is able to superintend the duties of the place. My health is excellent and my duties being light the time passes away very pleasantly although I cannot but look forward occassionally to the day when my term of enlistment expires. I have received another letter from my relatives in England and it is far more excouraging than any I have before received. They state that they are now left nearly alone having lost some forty relatives within a few years past and there is none left that could do me any good after their death. They want I should consider the matter seriously and come and see them as soon as convenient.

The weather has been very poor since our return to the Corps but is better now. Genl Grant reviewed our Corps today and preparations have been made for a move. Nearly all the Suttlers have been ordered away from the Army and I think an active campaign will soon begin. The enemy have been busy throwing up earth-works and fortifications for the past few days on the other bank of the Rapidan River and I think they intend making a strong ressitance in case we move forward at this point. But with the leader we now have they cannot hold out long and this foul rebellion will soon be among the list of "things that were" Although never to be forgotten.

I am glad Uncle has engaged the services of a good trusty man for this Summer and I hope he will do well. I will now bid you Good Night. Please write me soon as convenient - Give my best respects to all who may enquire. With much love and many kind wishes I remain truly your Affectionate Nephew 

Covell (Woods) 

J. Tierney’s Note: This was the last letter that Sgt Woods wrote his aunt before he was killed on 5 May, 1864. 

Contributed by J. Tierney