Desoto La. Jan 28^th 1862 [sic]                                                           

Letter #23

 

My Dearest Wife

                                    We are camped just below Vicksburg on the Louisanna side. We are in plain sight of the City. it is a nice looking place some larger than Lyons and it will be a hard place to take but we shall take it. I think by appearances we shall take time and not murder men as they did before. They are enlarging the canal that our troops wer working on last summer called the Cut off. I dont know what it will amount to. our Regiment is working on it today and I am writing this out in the wind and it is the coldest morning we have had but you would not call it very cold in Iowa. I cannot write much for the mail will go soon. I hope you will find the red heifer for she was a good one. She was all red with a slit in her right ear I think. she may have a little white on her belley but I think not. I would get some one to look for her. The Williams boys know her. I have received one letter from you with one from Aunt Eliza. it is a sad thing to lose Harland Knights. I dont know how long the people can stand it to have their sons brothers and husbands killed, but I hope not long. Give my fondest regards to Mrs Wagner and kiss her little babe for me. I sent a name for it in my last, but will send again as you may not get the letter Tempa is the name. I like the name and I think you will. I can write no more as the mail is ready to go. I am acting 2^d Lieu. but shall not get any more pay untill I get my commission. I have just seen Mr. Williams and he thinks the heifer had a little white just back of her fore legs. you had better get one of the boys and he will know her. I wrote to Mr Campbell a few days ago. Write as often as you can. Kiss the children and many for you my own true Emelia. I am your own loveing husband

George

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