Camp before Vicksburg Feb 26^th 1863

 

My own Dearest Wife

                                    I received a good kind letter from you the evening of my birth day. I was in charge of the Company on picket through the day and night, but I came back to camp to get some things for the men and I found your good letter. I am glad you had a party on my birth day I hope every thing was as you wished it. you must write all that was said and done. I thought of you all day and night and wondered if you was sleeping soundley with the dear children while I was on picket watching to see that the enemy did not come. I was glad you did not know whare I was for you would have been troubled but it is not dangerous standing picket here for there are no rebels on this side of the river near us and they dare not cross over. I wrote you a few days ago and should have written on my birth day but was detailed to take charge of the Company on picket I hope you enjoyed your dinner of hard bread and pork I wished many times I could have been with you but you may depend I should have found something better than that and in fact I did have something better as it was. I had beans soft bread fried beef and a raw onion. the onion was the best part of it. Each man received two and they wer the first vegetables of any kind we have received since we landed here, and we have / not received any since we left Helena except a few sweet potatoes that we took from Rebel planters and we wer hardley allowed to do that. So you will not wonder that the onion tasted good and sweet. There are many cases of scurvey in the armey and will be many more if we do not get more vegetables. We have plenty to eat but it is the worst kind the men could have to keep them in health. we have lots of coffee (I dont use it) a little tea sometimes, pickled pork, side bacon (or sow belley as the men call it) fresh beef, beans, rice, sugar and poor vinegar I get along very well for I take good care of myself, if I did not I dont know what would become of me. I was a little surprised to hear that Mr. & Mrs Stillman had realy parted. What does he say about it write me. I am sorry but I hope they will be happy You wrote me that Mr. C. was going to send a letter with yours but I did not find it. he does not write me lateley. I wish he would, I know I do not write to him but one letter must do for you both I will send you a list of the men in our Company and whare and how they are. I am 2 Sargent yet but think I shall get a commission as 2 Lieutenant but dont say a word about it to any one. John Schuyler has been unwell but is able for duty now. I hope McLeish will bring me a box with plenty of good things. Emelia it is late and every thing is still in camp and I must go to sleep so that I can be ready for any duty Give my fond regards to all friends. God bless you my dear Wife and children George

 

Tell Ralph to keep his card and show it to me I shall be so proud of him if he is a good boy kiss them both for me and tell them they must love there mother and be good. Dorrity is well and Benj. Greenlee is nearly well of small pox. Dorrity did not have it. I did intend to send you a list of the men in the Company but I got it nearley made out and spoilt it and I cannot make another

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