Camp 8th La, Inft Reg of African Descent, May 17, 1863My Wife,
This is Sunday night. We have not had any drill today, only dress parade this morning. How I wish you was here to see Capt Parkinson take Co. B. out, and march up to the Col etc. It is fine times now, but God only knows how long the good time will last. We may have fighting to do here. There is Rebel shot gun cavalry close around here, but I am of the opinion they will not fire on us. If they do, us or them will suffer. If we whip them, I do not believe we can keep the negroes from murdering everything they come to, and I do not think the Rebels will ever take us prisoner, or if they do, it will be as Rebecca says, our fate is sealed. But I am the only one in the regiment that thinks so. The rest all think they will be forced to treat us as prisoners of war, but I will never risk that while I have a negro to fight them or sound legs to carry me off. But these is things I do not think much about, and when I do, I think they will know it. When they get me, then I hope for better things. I am well satisfied, and am not sorry I have taken command of a negro Company, although I miss John and Silas, and the other good and kind boys in my old Co.
©2006 C.S. Parkinson