Encampment at Harper's Ferry

Harpers Ferry Va
May 13, 1861

Dear Doc,

You mite see from the heading of my letter we have shifted quarters Before we left Richmond it was rumored that Alexandria was to be our destination but when we got to H F we see we are appreciable surprised. If you have sent any (of) the articles I wrote for and discussed they seem to (have gone) to Alexandria You will please correct the mistake and have them sent in the above point. It can be easily for me to write to the P Master and Express Agent at Alexandria We are now in two or three hours side of Lincoln's troops, our men chose to be arguable

There is here some 3 or 4000 troops and a fight is anticipated every week. From the present proposition it will take 12 to 15000 troops to press up the river. The Heights around about H.F. is literally covered with men. It reminds of Pigeons in the fall of the year in the mountains. It may be that this summer we be first joined in attack. You never saw a mess of Jolly set of soldiers. Ky'ns, Ala tomorrow will be here. I am writing this letter with the papers in the crown of my cup & hence you must follow.I am nice, write if can. Tell Father & Mother I am well and will write to them in a few days. Write soon. I remain

Jas. T. Gleaves Jr.