March 19th, 1864 

My own dear Aunt, 

Again I am feeling lonely and having nothing urgent in the line of duties to perform. I have concluded to spend a few minutes in writing hoping by so doing that I may wear on this feeling. I wrote you a short time since and I presume you have received my letter long ere this .

I am still in good health and ought to be in good spirits for I am favored as much as any person could expect but I have again been thinking of reenlisting and although the inducements are great and I feel as though I ought to do it still I do not want to renew my bonds after I have so many times said I would not and after you have made me such kind offers for the future.

I understand last night that the pay of the Soldier had been increased. If so it will bring my wages as a Sergeant to twenty five Dollars per month and with this and the Bounty I can easily lay up a thousand Dollars during the coming year, if I reenlist. Now what shall I do? I can leave here tomorrow an my way to Crown Point if I wish. If my education was as good as it ought to be I should not hesitate an instant and I may come as it is if I do it will be within three or four days. But enough of this.

Dear Aunt will you not over look this unsteadiness of mind in me and favour me with one of your good kind letters soon? I have only you to look to and confide in and although I have been boyish and bad still I feel thankful that you at least will remember me in supplication to our Heavenly Father and will encourage me on in the path of Right from which I have so greatly strayed. We are expecting a dash from the enemy here soon and I think we will fall back to the fortifications of Harpers Ferry (three miles distant) within two or three days. Now dearest Aunt I shall look for a letter from you soon. Give my best respects to all acquaintences who may enquire. With much love to your self and Uncle I remain 

Very Truly,

 Your Nephew

A.C. Woods 

Letters of Alfred Covell Woods. 

Contributed by J. Tierney