Good content A.L.S. in pencil by M. E. Richards, a soldier in the 96th Penn. Infantry, 2pp. 8vo., ‘Battlefield, 1 mile from Petersburg Va Hd. Qrs. 3rd Brig. 1st Div. 5th Corps’ June 18, 1864, to his father describing the Petersburg campaign. In part: ‘…As you see by the heading we have crossed the James River and are now paying our attention to Richmond. Your letter mailed the 13th was received today on the field. We had considerable desultory fighting today but have not lost many men. There was harder fighting yesterday and we drove the rebs a considerable distance, driving them out of their breastworks with great loss to them but considerable to us. They are now in a strong, very strong position, perhaps another flank movement. We can do as much mischief to Richmond by circling around it at a distance of 20 miles, cutting their communication etc. as if we had the city itself. If we cut off their main railroads, they are bound to come out and attack us, which is what we want or they must evacuate the city. The army is in splendid health and spirits, plenty of rations, and have the greatest confidence in their generals…I look upon the result as certain…We are facing the enemy as usual. We have driven him out of several lines of works, but he falls back into others ready prepared. Our artillery can now shell the town which is in sight…’. Neatly penned and unusually legible, with the original transmittal cover addressed to his father in Pottstown, PA. Near fine.