Peachtree Vally GA
July the 20 /64
Dear Charlotte
It has ben some time since I wrote to you last. I havent had eney chance to write since Sunday. I received your long and welcom letter yesterday of the 18th. I hadent had eney letter in some time. The one I got before was mailed the 28th of June. There is one back that I should had last weak. The one I got yesterday had two stamps and the childrens hair in. I am glad you are all enjoying good health. I am tough as a bear and can fight twice as savage. We lay nine days on the other side of the river quietly in camp. It seamed good to get away from the whizing bullets but we are into it again now. We crossed the river Sunday knight. We are now but four miles from Atlanta. Our divition crossed Peachtree Creek yesterday about six oclock. Our regt skirmished all day yesterday. We are one mile from the rebs fortifications. The rebs shelled the first divition this morning while they crossed the creek but our sharpshooters have got clost enough now to pick their guners. I think we will take Atlanta verry easy. We can walk eight around them. You say you have let the grass out. I guess it is the best you could do. I wish we could get pay. I dont know what you will do if I dont get pay before long. We wont get it untill this campaign ends and I dont know when that will be. I think not till fall. I suppose there is quite a force of rebels in Maryland. The malitia will have something to do if all is true. We hear they are trying to take Washington but we hear a great deal that isent true. I have got to stop writing and go after rations.
Well Charlotte I drew the rations and give them out and then I cooked my diner and while I was eating the mail came and there was two letters for me. One was mailed the fourth and the other the ninth. It seams you have got some of my old letters. I knew verry well you dident get all my letters. We have just advansed about three quarters of a mile. Our divition is mast our brigade in reserve. We was in the advanse yesterday. I am writing in a great hurry. I dont know when I can send this but I will write it and send it the first opportunity. There was a mail went out this morning but I had none ready so I will write and have it ready to send the next time. There is sharp skirmishing on our front and not but little ways off. Hardees corps is in our front of Hookers and has ben in every fight this sumer. Claiborns divition is in Hardees corps the best divition in Johnsons army. They are mostly Ireishmen. They know what Gearies divition is. I must close for this time. I hope this will find you all well. My love to you.
Chas Engle