Camp near Desoto Feb 3^d 1863

 

My Dear Wife

                        I have received a letter from you with a line from Mr Campbell since I last wrote but it was an old letter that I ought to have received before but it was very acceptable. We are laying here the same as when I last wrote you. What the plan is I cannot tell but I hope it will be successfull. We had a little excitement yesterday morning. the Rebels had a transport laying at Vicksburg and one of our rams came down run into her and came on down runing the fire of all the Rebel bateries, but received no material damage, though she was struck 3 or 4 times. It was a dareing undertakeing but proved successfull. We hear many stories about Banks comeing up from below, but soldiers dont know any thing. I hope all will be well but I must say it looks dark to me. If I can onley live to return to you in good health and a whole man I shall be satisfied. We are in Steels division Thayers brigade Thayer is a Boston man and we like him much. I will not give you my opinion of Steel now but if I live will tell you all. You say there is strange stories about some of the boys in the 26^th you must not believe any thing you hear as / far as I know the boys are all right and they could not be otherwise if they wished to. Col Smith is a good man and Maj. Johnson has a large heart but his head is no larger than ever. I am very sorry Mr. Campbell is to leave in the spring, but I must not worey keep up good courage my good brave little wife and may God bless you. I guess we will go to Vine Land to live if I ever return. You must excuse me if I do not write all about the condition of things here for I do not like to think about it and it will do no good. I have no hope for the slave for a long time. I wish to God I did not know as much of their condition. Brother Campbell the work is not half begun for freedom and justice to all mankind. I will say that most of the slaves that are with the armey are worse of than they are on the plantations and it makes me weep to see them but no one sees me weep and you must not tell any one of it for it is a disgrace to care for a black man he has no place in this world for himself or his wife and children. I wrote you about the red heifer in my last but will write again as you may not get it She has a slit in her right ear I think, and a little white behind her fore legs. Young Williams thinks the slit is in the left ear but the boys at the farm will know her I hope you will find her. I wish you could take me in your arms and caress amd kiss me. I shall never leave you again. I know you will take care of me. My health is good. Give my regards to all. Ever your true Husband George

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