Written from Baldwyn, Mississippi. Letter describes fighting near Corinth, Mississippi, hardships of war, and an effort to obtain a substitute so that Philip B. McKay can return home.

Mississippi, June 2nd, 1862

Dear Mary I write you a few lines to let you know where I am and that I am well also. We have left Corinth and retreated down the Mobile and Ohio Railroad 30 or 40 miles near a place called Baldin [Baldwyn]. I don't know what the design is unless it is to draw the enemy from their gun boats. Last Wednesday we had heavy skirmishes with the enemy. I was all day exposed to the fire of the enemy but the Lord graciously preserved me so that I received no hurt. None of our company was hurt but 3 or 4 of our Regiment wounded slightly. There is no fun in fighting to have the balls whistling all round you and knowing what [illegible] you will be shot [illegible] saw one of the enemy [illegible] were concealed in the swamp and we were on the hill and that give them the advantage of us. They threw there [illegible] shells at us but they done little damage. When we got our cannon and fired at them a few times they ceased firing. We had to stay out there all night without blankets And most of us were in our shirt sleaves. I was afraid it would make me sick but I have been in very good health ever since we returned to our tents Thursday morning. That evening we went out to the breast works and lay there till about 10 o'clock that night and then started to this palce. We marched all night. We have been ever since then getting to this place or until last evening. I don't know whether we will stay here or not it is likely we will. It is reported that our tents were burned up and if they are then most our clothes are burned up. I put my jeans coat and pants one shirt one pr drawers one blanket in the tent and wrapped them up in it. We will soon find out the truth of the matter and I will let you know if I need any thing. It is to[o] warm for jeans cotton suits me better. I have a uniform coat that [illegible] very well for the present. I have written to you every Sunday but it is uncertain about you getting of them. I have not received but one letter from you since I left home. I am very anxious to here from you. I hope you are all well. I had rather go home than do any thing else in the world. So far as my business is concerned it don't trouble me but little but to think of being separated from all that is dear to me in the world is a great trial indeed. But so it is and we must bear it with fortitude . All things work together for good to them that love and fear God. I have been thinking that I might probably get Sam Clark or his son to take my place in the army. Try and find out whether I can or not. John [Shrack] said that he could have got him to take his place. If he [or] his son will take my place I will pay him well for it. Isham Clark is in the mess and say that Saml Clarks son wants to come to the army get some friend to see if can get one of them and on what terms and let me know [illegible]. Frank Mcgaughy was wounded in the skirmish last Wednesday a ball hit him on the head but did not hurt very dangerously. They sent him off to the hospital or somehere else. Kiss the dear little children for me. I hope I will be permitted to see them again. Let us invoke the blessings of the Lord upon us that we may meet agan. Good By My Dear. P. B. McKay.