10th April 1855
Camp Before Sebastopol

Dear Father and Mother,
I wa very happy to hear by your last letter that you were all in tolerable good health as thank God Almighty this leaves me at present.
I had a letter from Elizabeth the other day and I am happy to say that herself and Elizabeth Jnr were both well, by the by the little one will be a good length before she meets her daddy.
I was glad to hear that Bob had arrived in London, I should like to know what cause he intends to pursue now, I should advise his trade although to all appearances he might do well at sea ! but he's now nearly old enough to choose for himself. I was glad to hear that George going from home so young had gone to such a good family were you may rely upon him doing well. I had a letter from Ann, I was glad to hear she is doing so well, I should like to hear how Susan gets on, give my Love to them all and Charles. You only have three little ones at home now and what I feel most sorry for none to bring anything in. However thanks be to God we have mostly turned out well, the fruit of a good bringing up with regard to myself I have not been very well lately, partly owing to having so much writing to do day after day and no convenience but sit on the ground and write on my knee, that together with a cold brought on rheumatic pains, I suffered most across the loins. I have been in hospital for a week and thank goodness I am better and expect to be out tomorrow.
The Siege of sebastopol opened again with great fury on the 7th inst, and has continued firing away right to left ever since, every thing is going on favorably, our casualties are very small indeed, I hear the Russian damage is considerable and I hope soon to have it in my power to acquaint you with the fall of that enormous fortress. The Russian army in our rear appears to keep very quiet, the fact is they are well watched, they can do nothing.
I am afraid we shall find Sebastopol a curious place to storm as the Russians can render it untenable by their enormous Batteries on the opposite side of the harbor and we could not well retaliate for some considerable time.
However time will tell the wonders of this place.
Our fleets have not attempted anything yet on the sea face but they were formed up in front of the mouth of the harbor on the 8th, we are confident the place will fall but doubt not very easy, our Color Sgt is gone home to be commissioned Quarter Master in the Limerick Militia, he has been gone a fortnight, when he is discharged at home it will make me Sergeant, as I am first and recommended for promotion.

I should like to hear if you got the pound I sent all right ?
I received the newspaper very thankfully, having no more to add I remain your ever affectionate Son

Tom Mitchell