Camp 8th La Infantry, Reg of African Descent.
May 6, 1863Dear Sarah,
Today I received letters from you, James, and Lee. I was so rejoiced to hear from home once more. They went to the Reg first. I was glad to hear that you all was pleased at me going into the negro business. You appear to be a little uneasy in regard to the length of time. I thought when I first came in that it was for five years, but yesterday our Reg was mustered in to the service for three years. So I am in only for the short time of 3 years from the first day of May. I have 78 men in my company. They are learning very fast. I drew 65 guns today. The Captains drew today for the letters of their Cos and rank. I drew second ranking Captain Co. B. My pay will either be $130 per month or $190. I do not know which. I think Silas B. will be made Brevet 2nd Lieut, but do not know. He makes a good orderly, and gets along with the colored gentlemen first rate. He is now gone to Milliken's Bend on some kind of duty. I did not ask what for. My second Lieut. is a first rate man, does his duty well, but I do not like my first Lieut, but I will soon let him know that I command him as well as the negroes, and that he has to do what is right or resign.
©2006 C.S. Parkinson