In the Field near the Savannah River

February 3rd 1865
For Jas. E. & E. F. Ridings
Dear Brother & Sister, Yours of Jan. 11th arrived here last evening, bearing the glad tidings of good health, not only in your family but also in the neighborhood in general. This is a great satisfaction, to know that while I cannot be in the circle with you that you are healthy for I do think of all the blessings with which mankind is blessed with good health is the greatest of all. I am glad to know that Wash (blurred line) himself so well. Tell him I want him to not forget that there is such a fellow as Dave, not depend on others to do all his writing, but lay hold on his pen and write frequently. He can’t do much else this cold weather as I expect it is pretty cold up there. You say you eat some good apples while setting around the fire and talked of Jim & me, wishing us in the circle. Keep in good cheer. We will soon be in your midst. I was over to the Reg’t last night to see Jim and the boys of the Co. Jim is well & hearty and appeared to be in very good spirits but appears to be very anxious to hear from Sarah, he has not had any letter from her since the first of last month. I am still driving team in the supply train, and expect to continue to while I am in the Service---(blur) our Division left Savannah on the 20th of Jan—moved out 9 miles where we layed until the 25th. We marched the 25th 26th and part of the 27th arriving here at a place called Sisters Ferry some 30 miles from Savannah on the Savannah River where we have been making preparations to cross over into the Sacred Soils of South Carolina. The crossing is almost affectual, and is the general supposition, the Army will cross tomorrow or next day—but I will close as Jim wishes to write some in this letter. Except my best wishes to all the family and believe me to be as ever & cs??
David A. Ridings