Camp Before Vicksburg Feb 23^d 1863

 

My Dear Wife Emelia

                                    I have just heard that there is a mail to be sent up today by a man that came down after his son but his son was dead before he got here he lives near Welton. I have not received a letter from you since I last wrote though we have received two mails but I know it is not your fault. We heard by last mail that McDill was dead it hardley seems possible but I suppose we must believe it though it is hard he was as good a man as any that came with us We shall soon have no C^o C we have only about 20 men for duty the others are all sick dead or wounded. Winnie has not gone up the river yet but I think he will go before long. Mr Hunt got a letter from Schuyler last mail saying he did not hear from John. you tell his folks that he was not very well for a while but is nearley well now and will soon be all right give my regards to them and ask him why Smith did not kill old Mudgett does Mudgett try to make friends with you I hope not I wish I had him in our Company how I would put him through. Samuel Haskell started up the river yesterday he is quite sick but I hope he will get home he promised to go out and make you a long visit. do all you can for him. Yesterday I saw Kinney of Dewitt he is on one of the gun boats he is looking fineley. Tomorrow is my birth day I thought I should write to you Emelia but I dont think I shall be able to though I shall be with you and the little ones in spirit and before I am 27 I hope and pray I can take you all in my arms. Tell Mr C. to enjoy the rest of his life the best he can for it is a mean life and a mean world at best and if he could see and hear what I do he would think still less of it tell him to give my best regards to Phebe and ask her to write to me. How is Olliver and Hat. tell him to write to me and I will answer it. I wish I could take dinner with Hat but I would much rather take dinner with you. I wish you would find how Mr Hunts folks get along and let me know I can write no more now but will write again soon Give my regards to all friends Heaven bless you my dear Wife. Ever your true Husband George

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