Head Quarters 3rd Corps
	Sept. 22nd 1863
	Culpepper, Va.

Dear Wife
We have been some little while, getting here owing to transportation troubles. But God willing, we shall be in Richmond before long -
General Stuart, the Reb. Chief of Cavalry, reviewed at this town 6000 Cavalry a day or two ago General Pleasanton is with our Corps and unitedly we are a pressing on - last night the cavalry band, played Departed Days, and Ever of.(often?) There{Then}, splendidly at General Pleasanton's Head Quarters  They were within stone's throw of my own tent, and all mounted  We move onward again today - and shall be tonight (if no opposition more than skirmishing, be offered) within an easy forty eight hours march of the Rebel capital -
I have wrote this very hurriedly, and on soiled paper but you will forgive it Pet, I know, for I have no time to take any pains with it
	I have had no letter from you for a long time yet the mail reaches us daily - I wrote to Col. Frankle, a day or two ago, and directed it to care of Adj. General Schouyler at the State House, Boston.  Will you please ascertain for me if he receives it?  I think if he is a man of his word, the letter I wrote him, will fetch my Commission along - Please see that he gets it.
	Dear Darling Wife good bye, Kiss my little ones for me, and remember me ever as your loving & affectionate Husband
	S. Joseph B.
P.S.
My loving & kind remembrances to my Mother & Sister - also to Father, Mother & the boys
Affect. Your Husband
	S.J.B.