Washington, D.C., December 13, 1862, to his father in Norway, New York, reading Pardon me for not writing to you before as I was uncertain whether I should get my discharge or return to my Regiment. I have decided on the latter. I go on monday . The Col. is anxious that I should come and join my Company. My health is much improved since I left home. Still I am afraid I shall not be able to stand the hardships of camp life. The 97th is now before Fredricksburg (sic). I expect they are having a warm time there. Our regiment is with Gen Franklins Corps which crossed the river three miles below the City. All appearances show that there will be a great battle fought there. I hope our forces may be successfull and drive the accursed rebbles from our land. If our army is successfull the fall of Richmond must ensue. iI hope it will as it will end in crushing this rebellion and may this war soon end when peace and harmony may again reign in our land. I shall be blessed to hear from you soon, give my love to all. Mailing envelope remains with the letter; the stationery, oddly, seems to be embossed with a "CS" in the upper left corner.

Norton, a 2nd Lieutenant with the 97th New York Infantry, was in Washington likely recovering from illness or wounds while the Battle of Fredericksburg raged in Virginia. Not being a participant in the fight, he went on to receive wounds at Gettysburg, PA and Laurel Hill, VA. He was discharged with the rank of captain on August 16th, 1864.

Stains to envelope; minor splits at fold edges; overall fine condition.