Dear Wife,
As I have the opportunity of sending you a letter free of cost I do not hesitate to take the opportunity though it has been only 5 days since I write you but if you are like me you would not be offended if you got a letter every day as that is all we do now.  I am in good health now and I hope these few lines find you all in good health.
Well Sarah I am now satisfied that we are the foremost guards in this country as they have put us to scouting already.  Since writing to you last we took a scout of 44 miles and took 6 prisoners.  We started a little after dark traveled all night.  It rained all night and till noon the next day.  It was the darkest night I ever saw in my life.  We could not see our hand 6 inches from our face.  We are all in good spirits and are having a good time generally.  We have several visitors here from --- and Lebanen.  John Canarys father is here and by him I will send this letter.  There is some others here that will not leave till Saturday or Sunday and then I will write again  There is several of our company discharged and several others volunteered so our number is about the same.  We have two men in the hospital.  They are new recruits.  One of them is George O'Neal from Green County the other is John Davidson from Carlisle.  They are on the mend and will soon be well.  The balance of our co. is in good health.  Myself #8 as follows, John Hinkle, Basil Hindman, M.H. Hindman, L.R. Wood, H. Miller, Sandred Watson, David Kensinger and myself and we have a lot of fun together.
Sarah I want you to cheer up for there is good prospect for the ending of the war.  Everything is favorable and we all feel certain at being home by September at the least.  If I did not fully believe this I would not write it to you.  I have many reasons to think so.  Robert Cragg has got back to us and says they cannot hold out 3 months longer.  He says that the rebels fed him on mule meat that stunk and he had to eat it or starve.  I must close as Mr. Canary is ready to start.  I want you to write often and write all particulars how you are getting along as you and the children are the ones I wish to hear from particularly.  I have nothing more of importance to write at this time.
Enclosed you will find some written to your neighbors.  I still remain your affectionate husband and sincere friend.
Joseph C. Taylor to Sarah E. Taylor

I will tell you what I wish you would do.  Get --- Cox to drive the buggy for you and you can come one day and remain one day and 2 nights and I do wish that you would get Bill Grisel to put in a horse with Snip and take a wagon you can all come.  Bring your own horse feed and victuals as we only draw enough rations for ourselves and we cannot feed any persons if we wanted.

Now Sarah I have told you how you can come to see me if you try and I hope you will try.
We may not leave here for one month.  In all event we will not leave here before this week is out.  Show this letter to Grooms and Bill Grisell and others and if you do not seceed in getting any person to come with you answer this letter and let me know all about it as I will be expecting to see you until you either come or send me a letter.  No more at present, only hoping to see you or hear from you soon.
Tell John and Daniel that I will insure them a preent the first time I see them.  Give my love and respects to all inquiring friends and keep a reasonable amount for yourself.

From Joesph C. Taylor to Sarah E. Taylor and Family.