Steamer Imperial Oct 28, 62

 

My Dear Wife Emelia

                                                As we are geting near Memphis I thought I would write a line. We have passed many places of interest since we left St. Louis. New Madrid Columbus Island No 10 and fort Pillow, many of them wer strongley fortified and I think if the Rebels had been good fighters they might have held them but Island No 10 I believe was a humbug. We do not run much nights as we / are afraid of being fiered into. there is 100 men or more kept on the upper deck all the time with loaded guns, but we have not been troubled in the least. The talk is that we shall operate with the gun boats in takeing Vicksburg but it is hard to tell. We have been very much crowded but my health is good and all the folks from Eden are well except Hunt and he is geting better. There was a contraband came on at St Louis and the 2^d mate took his free papers from him but the Col. made him give them / back to him afterwards he went at him and beat him most cruelly but the soldiers got hold of him and took him ashore at Cairo and he was tried and fined $25.00 I think he learned a lesson and the poor Negroe is safe. I think I shall have a chance to do some good yet I shall write you as often as I can and you must do the same. Give my regards to all friends but all my love I give to you my dear wife and the children

 

Ever your own true

George

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