Camp Before Vicksburg April 1^st 1863

 

My own dear Wife

                                    I wrote you a few days ago and sent it by Mr Bissell I thought then I would write you and Mr C. a long letter the next mail but since then we have received marching orders and expect to leave every hour. We are going to leave all the tents and sick here Of course we dont know whare we are going (By the way there is two questions you must not ask a soldier 1^st whare he is going or whare he got any thing that you may see him have) but we surmise that we are going on boats up the river to forage and will have no fighting to do. We are to be gone 15 or 16 days so you must not be troubled about me if you do not hear from me for some time. McLeish has not come yet if he waits and lets our things spoil he better stay away from the Regiment for the boys will raise the devel with him. I did not get a letter from you last mail but I suppose it will come sometime. It has been quite cold for a few days past I think you must have had a cold spell up in Iowa. It is quite warm now the trees are begining to look green and flowers have been in bloom for some time I sent a rose bud in my last letter will send some more flowers when I have a chance to get them. Dont send any more dried fruit as we can get it nearley as cheap here now as you can (That is officers can) but canned fruit honey butter cheese dried corn or pickles of any kind can not be had here without paying 5 times what they are worth. Byny got a letter from Shroder and he is going home for 20 days. perhaps you could send some things by him or some one elce that is comeing down but dont pinch yourself or go to much trouble to send me things, but you cannot understand how much pleasure it would give me to get some things from you. Dont send any thing of any value unless you send it by good hands. if you send a vest dont get a very dark one and have it thin and cool as possible with army buttons dont send any white shirts for I cannot get them done up we all wear wollen shirts made up niceley but dont give yourself any trouble for it will be all right 

 

I am feeling quite well now and think I shall be able to keep so Eden folks are all well. Gulick has been gone about 2 weeks up the river I dont know when he will be back. Give my fondest regards to Mr C. and all other friends. Raise some chickens for I hope to be with you next fall to help eat them. Kiss the children for me. God bless you all.

 

Ever your own true Husband

George

 

PS Tell Mr C to eat my share of milk and cream

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