Camp before Vicksburg March 15^th 1863

 

My Dear Wife Emelia

                                    I sent a letter a few days ago by mail that I intended to send by Capt Johnson but he did not start as soon as he expected. I am going to write a line this morning to send by him. he is going to start the first boat which will be soon I have sad news to write this time and if the friends have not heard of it, I would go quietley to Mrs. Wagner and get her to tell the friends John Schuyler died yesterday morning. When I last wrote he was geting along well but he was taken worse and they put him on the Hospital boat with Henry and he went to Memphis. when he got there he was so weak and low that they thought it best not to move him from the boat and they brought him back and he died soon after the boat arrived. The doctors called it the yellow typhoid fever but I call it imprudence and medicine, but dont say a word to any one what I say. I done all I could for him before he left here and that was not much for you can do but little for a sick man here. E B Winnie also died on another Hospital boat about the same time and C H Liscomb died on his way up to Memphis and was buried at Helena. this makes three that has died since I last wrote. This is sad and discourageing but you and I must hope for the best and I believe all will come out right 

 

I have received a letter from you with one from Uncle Ribling give my fond regards to him when you write I suppose Capt Johnson will visit you give him the best in the house but dont say a word about the slaves. I send with this an order for a blanket which you can get in Clinton. It is to be clean and nice. We have been paid 3½ months. I send you by the Capt $25.00 I wish I could send you more but I wish to pay up what I sent you before and I shall be obliged to get some things that I did not expect to. Dorrity was here this morning he is stout and well. Tell Mr Campbell I should like to write him just as I feel, but I had not dare to if I could but if I live I will tell him all. Give my regards to him and may the great God bless him I have not been quite as well for a few days I have had a slight cold but am geting all right. I send Ralphs boots by the Capt. as Winnie did not go. Every thing was spoiled that came in the box but the butter and that was very strong. Never send any thing again unless some one will bring it direct. I hope McLeish will bring something but never send much cake or pie Canned fruit comes the best and butter is much better put up in cans. honey will be good but every thing will be all right if it comes direct. Kiss the children for me. I will write again soon. I am glad you had a good time on my birth day. if I live I will be with you before my next one. God bless you my dear good Emelia

 

Ever your true Husband          George

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