Dec 21^st 1862

Helena Dec 21^st 1862

 

My Dear Wife

                                    We are on board the Steamer Tecumshe and geting ready to start down the river. I intend to write a little to you every day though I dont know when I can send it. Boats of all kinds have been passing all day We know not whare we shall land but it is the grand move on Vicksburg.

 

Monday 22 We are now at Montgomereys Landing Frayers Point and shall lay here till morning it is a beautifull sight the shore is lined with steamers as far as I can see. Every thing has gone smooth so far. Tuesday 23 We are now at Montgomerey Landing whare we shall stop till morning. The soldiers have been burning some building and it made a beautifull sight from our boat I shall not write you about the towns / we pass as you can see them on the map. Every thing has gone smooth so far but we are bound to see fight before long. Wednesday eve 24. We are now at Miligans bend. Emelia this is Christmas eve what are you and the children doing whare was we one year ago I dare not think much of the past or I shall weep and it is not a time or place for weeping. Write to all the folks in the East and tell them I was with them in spirit on Christmas eve, but my dear Wife and children wer with me to. I hope and pray I shall be with you next Christmas I should send you and the children something if I could but it is imposible We are now about 18 miles from Vicksburg whare we shall land I know not Thursday 25^th I wish you all a merey Christmas We are now laying at the mouth of the Yazoo River about 10 miles from Vicksburg / We are to go up the Yazoo and advance in the rear and the gun boats will do the work in front. At least that is the talk but we cannot tell. We have not had a very happy Christmas at least I have not, though some of them seem to be happy I never can be happy onley with my family and whare every thing is peace and quietness. I was not made for war Emelia you know not how wicked a thing war is and I hope you never will. I will tell you what I had for diner. some raw bacon and some hard bread and some tea I am stout and well but how long I can stand such liveing I cannot tell. we get along very well when in camp but we have no chance to cook on the boat I thought of you many times when eating my diner and was thankfull you was beter off. Friday 26^th We have not moved since yesterday but many of the boats have gone up and we / expect to go soon. It is very fine weather not a particle of frost since we left Helena I shall write you again as soon as there is a chance to send Tell Mr Campbell I intended to write to him but I cannot this time as I am Orderley and I am kept busey most all the time trying to make the men comfortable &c &c Write as usual. Direct to Helena to follow the Regiment. Dorrity is well and all the others of our friends. I hope you could get the children and yourself something for Christmas. Give my fond regards to all friends and believe me ever your own true husband. I long to be with you Emelia but duty sent me from you I am suffering for thousands of wives and children that suffer every day more than you though you are left alone. Once more good by my dear good Wife. I will write a line more if I have time before the boat goes

 

Ever your

George

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