Anthony W. Ross Civil War Letter Regarding War and the Draft

              [corresponds to page 1 of Ross Letters dated 1864 Aug 23] 
In Breast Works 2 Mmiles North of 
Atlanta Georgia Aug 23rd 1864 
Well Emly I have seated my self to drop 
you a few lines to let you know that I 
am Still among the liveing my health is verry 
good at this time although I have been sick for 
some time Back we have been near this position 
for over 1 month fighting is going on everry day 
and how long it will take us to get atlanta I can 
not tell but I do not think it will be long at 
least I hope not for this is a dangerous position we 
have more or less men killed everyy day in our Briggade 
the 136th Newyork had 2 men killed this morning they 
have come verry near killing me a number of times 
but they have not hit me yet and I hope will not 
I have No Knowledge when the pay master is going to 
come but I do not Believe he will come as long as we 
are in such close proximity to the Rebbles I know you 
think it hard that you are left with out any money 
but it is out of my power to help it untill I am piad 
off and as soon as I am I will Send you money I would 
be verry glad to sea you but I cannot untill my time 
Rowls Round which is 214 days yet when If my life is 
spared I shall be at home to greet you once more