Piedmont Hospital
Liberty, Virginia
May 30, 1864

Mrs. Martha M. McKnight
Kind Lady

I write you a few lines to let you know where I am and how I am getting on. I am at Liberty, Va. I stayed 8 days at Lynchburg and was then transferred to this place my wound is doing very well but I will be some time before I will be able for duty. They are furloughing some here and transferring a great many. I think if I can get to go before the Board in a week I will get a furlough I will get a transfer to Westpoint or LaGrange GA and if I do you can come to see me then. If I get it I will write to you again immediately. I have not heard from our Regt. since I wrote you before. Frank is gone to the Regt. He is now in command of Company C. Capt. Ballard having been captured & Lieut. Alford killed and their company was left without a commander and it fell to Frank's lot to take command. We lost a great many men from our Regt. in the great Battles of Friday, May the 6th & Sunday the 8th and Saturday the 15th. Our Major was killed. There was none of our company killed but six of us wounded none very severely. I will give you the names of those that was killed that you are acquainted with. James P. Crowder, Andrew Wilson, Henry Bonner, Frank Foster of Co. I, Alan Duncan Co. C and a great many others that I could name but I suppose you have seen a list of their names in the papers. We lost in all as near as I can ascertain about one hundred, killed, wounded, and missing. Jordon Peters is here with me and Isacc Pugh he is wounded in the hand. I saw Thomas Hanby the other day. He was well. He told me that James Walls, Bennet Williams, & Bill Lindsey was all wounded and sent to Lynchburg. Thomas was detailed to cook for the wounded at the Division Field Hospital. Ben Lindsay was in the fight and went through safe. Vines Weaver of the 14th was killed. Joe Wagner went through safe & Todd also Samual Tucker wounded in the hand. I will not name any others for I reckon you have heard more than I have. I will close for this time. Please write to me for I have not heard from you since Frank was at home and  direct your letter to Liberty, Va. Piedmont Hospital 47th Ala. Company H.

I am going to try for a furlough or transfer the first chance and it may be that I will get to some place where you can come to see me. If I don't get to come home and if you get to come bring Eldorah for I can't tell which I want to see the worst you or the baby.

I hope to God that I may never have to fight another Battle for it is one of the most solemn thoughts that ever crosses my mind. Enough for this time. Give my little Babe a kiss for me for I may never see it again.

MM McKnight

CPC McKnight