Item description: Letter, dated 24 June 1863, from Andrew J. Proffit to his father, William Proffit. He discusses troop movements in Virginia and his own health, and mentions the story of a two-headed calf born in Fredericksburg.

Item citation: From folder 3 of the Proffit Family Letters, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

State of Va. Warren County June 24th 1863

Wm Proffit Dear Father I write you a short note to let you know where I am & what I am doing I am at an old gentle mans house by the name of James Sealick we have had another hard march from Fredericksbur toward Win-chester the march was so hard and the weather so hot that hundred give out I marched three days un-til I could go no more they halled me one day but the ambulances were so crowded that they broke part of them down so the doctors give me a pass to shift for myself I am at a first rate place & can stay as long as I choose I do not know when I will be able to go on but I suppose I will in a week or so.  There is nothing the matter more than I am broken down, my feet worn out & my head pains me right smartly. All of which make me quite weak I can say to you that A. N. give out & was sent back to Culpepper he was right sick but I hope not dangerous. It was said that many marched until they fell dead on this march you need not be uneasy that I will do that I guess that I have been some where since I left home.  do not be uneasy about me I am treated as kindly as I would at home.  I would love to hear from you all again I do not know where to tell you to write unless you write as you did before I will write you again the first chance & let you know how I am.  There is a young calf in Fredericksburg with 2 heads 3 years 4 eyes 4 nose holes & 2 mouths there is a sick Georgia soldier here who has seen it & examined it it sucks with either mouth & it 3d year is between its heads.  I will close yours with great respect A. J. Proffit