Camp before Richmond, VA
21 Jun 1862
Dear Grandfather
Some time ago
I received a letter from you
and have neglected answer
ing it untill now as we
have been moving about so
from Pillar to Post that
it has been hard for me
to find even time to write as
often as I should to my
mother & sisters to keep them
posted as to my where abouts
And I suppose they think they
have the first claim upon
time.  Well! you will see from
the above heading, that we
have at last got down in
front of the great Metropolis
of the States in rebelion,
And although it seems like
slow work, yet this, the Capital
of the Southern Confederacy, must
fall.  Every day brings us
nearer the city.  I think that
it is no more than fair to
judge of this Rebelion from
the country surrounding its
Capitol.  And if we do this
every soldier in this army
can testify of its sandy
foundation.  For he can not
even cook a mess of beans
without having them half
sand. ...

I remain as ever,
Your affectionate Grandson,
Octavious L Williams
P.S. Please direct as before.