Letter #19

Ark. Post Jan 12^th 1863

 

My Dear Wife

                        I wrote you just a line a few days ago we wer then laying near the mouth of White River after our retreat from Vicksburg. We came up White River into the Ark. River to take a fort and stores. The fight began on Saturday the gun boats done good work and we could have taken the whole thing without loseing many men but the thing was badley managed and the Infantry was badley cut up the 26^th done there duty but many of the men wer murdered. I was not in the fight for I was confined to the boat and quite sick and the Capt would not allow me thought I better not go out. Lieu Hyde was killed in the first of the fight. Mikeal Heal was killed H. T Shefer and C Thomas of Co C and 16 or 17 wounded but none that you know. I am ashamed that I cannot write you a better letter but I have so much to think of that you must excuse me. I will write you all if I live. I am better today but not well yet. Col. Smith was wounded in the leg and Faribee the Adjutant. I received two letters from you and a line from Mr Campbell last week and they done me much good. I almost forgot to say that Lieu McDill was badley wounded in the arm. We lost 100 or 150 killed and wounded I dont wish you to read this to any one for I know it would sound bad but you can tell them what I wrote. I have been on two battle fields and I hope never to see another but if I live to return to / you I shall never leave you my dear Wife How I long to see you and the children and all my friends I will write more next time. Do not worey about me for I shall take good care of myself. I must stop writing to you to do other duties. It does not make me faint now to see a man all cut up. Take me in your arms my dear wife and kiss me and give me your blessing Give my regards to all friends Tell Mr C I will write to him as soon as possible

 

Ever your true husband

George

 

We took the whole force about 6 or 7 thousand I have just heard that Delong was killed. I hope I shall get the box you sent let me know just how and who it was directed to. Never send any thing through the Sanitary Commission for they are all Ministers Lawyers and Doctors of the meanest kind I will let you know if I get it and tell you how to send me more if I wish it. Emelia my own true wife I my heart never turned to you as it did when I was on the battle field. Again forgive this poor letter

 

Ever your own

George

 

I send you a peace of the Rebel flag

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