Vicksburg 7 miles above by land & 12 miles by river.
Louisiana, opposite Yazoo River, Jan 31, 1863Dear Sarah,
If I am living eighteen months from today, and still in the army, I will be mustered out. Will that not be a day of rejoicing to those that are living. It is rather singular that I have not written to you since I was in Memphis. We camped here on the 25th and we have had nothing to do but write letters, but I have wrote to no one. I have seen and heard plenty to write you a good long letter, but I have got out of the way of writing. Silas got here on the 28th. No one expected him. I was rejoiced to get the pants and shirt. I put them right on. The first time I had changed in six weeks. I got Sarah's very kind letter and the tobacco, and a very mindful and necessary favor from my good brother Leander. John got half. The first brigade of our div. are going up river one or two hundred miles. I wish it was us. I received one of May's interesting letters yesterday. The first I have received since Memphis. I guess you are still in Walnut Hill. It rains considerable here, and cool at night. McKee tried to get Silas home but failed. Poor Hugh! I would like to see him so well. McKee is sick on a boat.
©2006 C.S. Parkinson