Camp 8th La, Colored Reg.
April 19th, 1863Sarah Ann,
This is Sunday morning, and I am here alone, no white person I know, and my negroes are generally gone to plantations close by to see their wives, etc., but I am not lonesome. I like to be alone. I love to think [of] you, Zetty, and little Vernon. What would I give to see Zetty, Vernon, and you today, and go to church with you. When will such a happy time come? I stayed last night by myself, and there was an awful storm. The wind blowed like fury, and it rained in perfect torrents. I had to get up and hold my tent up, and go out and fix the pegs. My cap blowed off, and I could not find it till this morning. Half the tents in the Reg blowed down. This morning is nice, clear, and warm. I think our division will go to Vicksburg in a few days. Troops are passing down day and night. I look for a big fight there in three weeks. I had hoped our Reg would escape that fight, but they are sure to be there. I guess I will not go with them if they go. I will stay here and try to raise my company of darkeys, so I may miss that fight. But I may be getting into something worse. We might be taken prisoner in a hurry for having negro soldiers, but I will do some tall fighting or running before they get me.
©2006 C.S. Parkinson