Darby, John W. Letters (1863-1865)

              [page 1]
2 Miles South of 
Branda Station
Sunday 1st of May

Dear Brother

Last night at 
dark I was recalled from 
Faxville the picket line 
having been drawn in at 
3 in afternoon  I had to 
run the picket line and 
not knowing exactly where 
it had been placed I know 
not what moment could 
run in to it but passed

[page 2]
in with-out knowing 
when I passed it as being 
challenged, it being dark.  
This morning at 9 o’clock we 
brake camp and marched being 
relieved by Barnsick’s 9th 
Corps I believe.  So you 
see my storyabout staying 
to guard the R.R. was spurious 
it is 5th Corps to the front 
perhaps it may be a week 
before we get in fighting 
orders I don’t know when we 
leave here but soon I think 
I is cool and pleasant Monday

[page 3]
If you have not sent 
the revolvers don’t send them 
at present, if you have them 
keep them till we call for them 
but if you have sent them 
we will get them sometime  
I am feeling well  it always has 
agreed with one to march but 
my feet are sore yet we 
have only marched 8 miles 
I tell you there is a passell of 
us here now  Brigades instead 
of being 4 Regt’s on 8: direct 
just same as before, write often 

yours truly J.W. Darby

[page 4]
“He that would save his 
life shall loose it, but 
he that would loose his 
life for my sake shall 
find it”