Dear friends at home I take the present opportunity

Camp, Releif
Feb. 18, 1864
Dear Friends at home
I take the present opportunity to write a fell [few] lines to you[.]  Well I am not very well to day[,] I have had a savere head ache to day but feele a little better to  night.  last night the Ordley [Orderly] Seargent said that all of us that wanted to express money home could go to the city to day but I was not able to go so I sent $50 down by the Boys to express for me and I shall send the receit [receipt] with this letter.  I want you should write imedilty [immediately] and let me know whether you get the money or not.  Well I want you should use the money that I sent home to good advantage.  Well I have got into a good company and I like my Captain firstrate[.]  His name is Captain Halock[.]  He gave me my horse to night it is a nice sorel with a star in its face and is about 7 years old.  Well we have plenty to eat hear now but the quarters are awfel cold now but the Boys say that their are warme enough when it is not so cold as it is now they [say] that the last to [two] nights are the coldest that they have seene since they have ben [been] here[.]  No more at present[,] write and tell me all the news[.]  Tell Austin and the girls to write[.]
This from your son
J R S
Direct
John R. Sunderland
Company K. Scots. 900
Washington DC