Friend Johnnie I received your very kind letter and hasten to answer it with sad news

Thursday Morning May 18th 1864
Friend Johnnie.
            I received your very kind letter and hasten to answer it with sad news to write you.  Your brother Darwin is killed or reported to be I cannot tell how time ***.  I feel to sympathize with you for your brother that has fallen in the defence of his country he was brave but is no more[.]  Johnnie[,] we have all got to die sooner or late as I have often heard him say it might as well he on the battle field as any whare elce[,] I sincerely hope he did not suffer much but it is hard to tell.  I presume to day you have heard all the particulars[.]  I have not seen any of your friends but saw the account in last evenings paper and thought you would like to see it and so I will put it in this letter.  Darwin had a very great many friends and it was hard to go so soon.  You must not let this discourage you keep up good cheer and think you will be one of the lucky ones which I hope you will to come home and tell us harships and dangers.  Well Johnnie I am enjoying myself first-rate having a good time[.]  I am living in town and learning the Milliner’s trade with Mrs Alcherson have been here since April first.  Isabela Dawson is learning the Taylor’s trade and we are having very gay times.  George Miller has written you several times and mailed a letter for you about a week ago[,] Eliza gave him your address.  Jennie Vilas says she will write you at once[,] she does not see why you have not heard from her.  I do hope you may hear from your friends often.  If I was at home I could send you more poetry that was in those papers bu[t] if you could see them you would say they were tiptop.  You sayed you would like to know who composed those verces all of the scholars and teacher were the ones did it.  Did I tell you what was in about Bell Dawson[,] if not I will tell you in my next letter.  I should likee very well to be their a while just long enough to get all the burries I could eat[,] I think that would be as long as I should like to stay.  There is not one of the young people that you have writen to but have answerd your letters they have nothing against you not by any means.  Well Johnnie I am greatly obliged to you for your vast letter you sent me and hope this will not be as long reaching you.  The clock is striking seven and I must go to my work so good by [bye] hoping I may hear from you soon your old friend’s.
            To John R. Sunderland                                   Atlanta Le Northrup