Has applied for paymaster; would like to get on General Floyd’s staff; 15,000 troops there ready for a fight.

                                    Harpers Ferry Va
                                           May 30th 1861
 
Dear Doc
      I received your letter on yesterday and  was sorry to learn that father had had one of those violent spells   But he is better I hope.  I wrote him a letter this morning   Doctor I see from the Telegraph (Wytheville) that Gen Floyd is now in Wytheville with his Brigade  I would like to have  post in his staff  if I could get it.  I may be disappointed in my application for paymaster & if so you concur if yes try get me a position in Floyd Staff.  You know how to talk to him.  I wrote to Wythe on the same subject.  See what you can do.  You don’t know or will  not know until you go in to the army what advantages or connections with a post of honor.  Your labor is less [  ]   The honor greater.  My chances for paymaster is good so far.  I am well endorsed by Col. Preston, Maj Kurl, and every officer in the regiment.  I can give Floyd any recommendation he may desire.  Please see what you can do and let me know.

No news of much importance.  Old Abe is trying to take [  ]oundance in us.   But we will venture his sides.  We may have a fight here any day.  We are ready so far as I can learn.  I feel as indifferent as to what will come as I did a year ago.  I have a desire to see & hear the artillery fire and meet Old Abe's best soldiers   You may think differently, but you have no idea how callous  men become when they are drill for the fight.  You will desire a change, it is like a menagerie.  You can see the cages and delights fpr a while, but that wore off & you want [  ] the Lion & Tiger- Since 15,000 troops are now here   I will write to you again after a few days & give you the details  This is sent of a business letter.  New strike soon. [  ] & hard and constantly   Floyd will not [  ]  forget pure favors.
         Give my love to Maria & children
                  Your Bro
                    Jas T Gleaves Jr