------------- Mississippi

------------- 16th, 62

--------------------------------------------------Mother

------------------------------------------------in hand

------------------------------------------------you that

------------------------------------------------and of the

living and enjoying a reasonable portion of health. I have had a slight attack of fever but am now getting well again. I am now staying at a private house out in the country with 4 other soldiers. The people of Mississippi have --------------------- ----- - there was a great deal of sickness in the regiment at that time. There was about 25 men in Co. our company able for duty. Our regiment was on picket at the time the army commenced falling back from Corinth. We had a hot engagement with the enemy that morning. The way of it was the pickets on the outposts discovered them there in the night but thought it was just their relief guard so we were making out there to relieve our guard when they opened fire upon us. We soon found that there was two regiments lying in ambush. We were first or second to form a line... but Col. Lane, finding they had the advantage of us or-dered us to take trees, and in about 15 minutes we had them dusting from there. We pursued them about half a mile where they went in their holes. Our loss was 4 killed and 13 wounded, of which 3 have died since... among the killed was Maj. Barker, Abner Kenis and other wounded. John Lambert had his thigh broke. Wallace Caldwell and others were wounded. I would like very much to hear from home as it has been some time since I heard from you all. I don't know when I can come home but I will come the first chance. I want you to write soon as I want to hear from your very much. Nothing more, but remains your affectionate son until Death.

                                                                                       Wm. P. Bowers