Baldwin, Fla.
May 17th 1865
Miss Bardin
My Dear Mattie,
I write you a few lines this evening which will inform you that I am still alive, but not well. I hope these may reach you enjoying the best of health.
My dear Mattie, I reckon you think that I have forgotten you entirely. I would have been to see you before this, but I did not know when we would be payrolled, and not wishing to be absent at that time is why I have not seen you yet. Thinking that I would get to go to see you is why I have not written. It has been my intention to go to see you as
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soon as I was pay Rolled before going home, but as I have the fever this evening and the train is waiting for us I go home and as soon as I recover a little I will come up and see you, for I want to see you about the worst that I ever did.
Now Mattie these are my reasons for not coming or writing sooner. I hope you will forgive me for it, and let me know it by writeing soon. Direct your letter to Stark, and Believe me to Be, Dear Mattie, your affectionate & devoted lover, Albert.
P.S. Our pay Roll is being made out as fast as possible - they will be ready for us in about an hour. Please write soon. A.S.C.
*Transcribed with original spellings and punctuations.
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