Civil War Soldiar\'s Letter, Confederate, to his sister Mrs. M. P. Sublett For Sale

This is an authentic three page letter (one sheet of paper folded) with envelope (stamp removed) of an average Confederate soldier from the field to his sister, Mrs. M.P. Sublett of Chesterfield Co. Virginia. The letter was in a group of family letters found when we went through my Grandmother\'s estate back in 1954 and has been kept ever since. It is readable, but you must remember it was written in the field in pencil It appears to have been written on some surface that was rough, such as some scotch grain leather, as one might find if the soldier used a leather covered Bible to write on (which well may have been the case). It is rare for a the letter of just an average soldier to survive. The Sublett family were French Huguenots that fled to Virginia where it is a well known name. One of the Subletts wound up in California because he was with Lewis and Clark Exposition. This soldier, Albert\'s sister was married to M.P Sublett, but I\'ve been unable to ascertain just what Albert\'s family name might have been, though I\'m sure it is easily found by searching the Sublet records back to M.P. Sublett and then ascertain who his wife and brother-in-law Albert would have been.
The letter reads:May 3rd 1862Dear Sister, Yours of the twenty seventh has been received, and I now reply fearing that if I put it off, it might be out of my power to do so for some time to come, as there must be some move before many days, judging from all appearances. Alas my sister one of the biggest battles that has been fought since the commencement of this war is (in my opinion) about to come off and if we can be victorious (which I have but very little doubt) we will stand free and independent among the nations of the earth: what a thought; to think that we will be once more free. Happy indeed will it [be] to towe who may live to see it; but many\' yes many\' there will be denied that privilidge [sic] having fallen on the battlefield endeavoring to obtain it-but why should I be speaking this for we all go into cheerfully; yes none of us: or very few atleaast [sic] but what would rather spill our blood than to be subjugated by them, but enough of this. I ws glad to learn that Pa had succeeded in planting so much of his corn, for I was fearful that he was behind hand on account of the weather for I don\'t thn I ever saw so much in my life. Lucy [Sublett] you said was improving, I hope she may continue to improve; and I think she will if she can have a plenty of
gr... which you tell me she is now getting. I am glad to inform you that Billy is himself again or nearly so; for he has improved right much since we left Richmond. And now m sister i conclusion I would state that no money has been paid us as yet; and some say that none will be untill [sic] sometime in June, though I hardly think that so but whenever it is done, and they will pay me what is due, you shall share with me it matters not when that is. As the mail is soon to start, I must close. Love to all at home and Martha, and believe me as ever
Your Aff Bro [affectionate brother?], Albert