Staunton.  June 11th  [1861] 
 
My Dear Sister: 
 I wrote home the day after we got here telling you that we did not exactly know when we would leave this city, but, since, we have heard when we must start.  The orders were to leave here the last of next week for the North West but they were changed by request of Captain White to Harpers Ferry.  He thought we could not march on foot over the mountains, which we would have had to have done. 
 We were sworn in yesterday for twelve months unless sooner discharged.  There are now 2000 men here going to the North West;  
 
[Page 2] 
they came in on two trains night before last.  I was standing on guard on the railroad when the cars came up.  Their camp is on a hill just opposite to ours.  We had battallion drill here yesterday reviewed by Ex-Gov. Wise, Gen. Harman, Col. Campbell and Mr. Hall of Wetzel, all of whom made speeches.   
 I was invited to tea last night at Mr. Keizer and as I was coming back was invited to Mr. Cockran's to breakfast.  We have had strawberries three times at camp and the people of the town send in all sorts of things to us.  Our regular eating consists of wheat bread beef and coffee, all very good except the bread. 
 
[Page 3] 
 We are considered the best company down here.  Yesterday whilst on drill we marched through the streets amidst showers of bouquets. 
 There are some of the best looking girls down here that I ever saw.  I will write to you and tell you where I am situated so you can write to me,         Your brother Ted.