Millikens Bend May 1^st 1863

 

My dear Wife Emelia

                                    When I last wrote you from Green Ville We wer under marching orders but we did not take the trip we expected to but wer ordered down the river on the 26^th. We went down to our old camp and got our tents &c. and came back to this place which is about 12 miles above. I intended to have wrote you before but we have been very busey and I could not. I have received a short letter from you since I last wrote but it was a good one and I was much encouraged by it. I cannot write much tonight as it is late and we are ordered to be ready to march in the morning at 8 Oclock. We are going to New Carthage (At least that is the report) about 32 miles below here to guard provision trains through to the troops that are there. how long we shall be gone I dont know but do not worey about me for I am all right. If you have not got me the pants and boots you need not if you have it is all right, but send the other things when you get a chance. Capt Johnson is here, arrived yesterday I dont know how long he is going to stay or what he came for, but some of the men think he is in company with our sutler he told me about how Schuylers folks felt about John I will tell you all about John and you can tell his folks John was sick for some time but / was able to be round all the time he went to the Hospital every day and took medicine and he grew worse all the time he came to me one day and said he was growing worse and he did not like to take any more medicine and I told him not to just as I would my own brother. about two weeks before he went onto the boat I tried to get him into the Hospital as he thought he would be more comfortable there but it was full and they could not take him. I got him a cot and detailed E Nugent to take care of him and he had as good care as any of the men that wer sick. I was away from camp on picket the day he went onto the boat and I did not see him again. McLeish says you paid more than your share of freight if you send any thing more look out. I have sent my overcoat up in a box you can get it by calling at Lunts it is rather worn and dirty but I want to keep it for the good it has done. We have received two months pay but I cannot send you any for I want to pay up all I owe here I shall receive Lieutenants pay from April 1^st. I am going to send you a good colored woman the first chance I have you can milk all your cows then and she will be of more help to you about the place than any white woman write me what you think about it. They are forming Negro regiments as fast as they can. I should apply for a position but I am not quite equal to the task. Tell Mr C that we are on the right ground now and shall whip them soon. I can write no more tonight. God bless you my dear Wife

 

Ever your        George           

 

you must not send the boots /

 

Since I wrote the within I have put 2 blankets into the box they are not very good ones and will need washing. I understand McLeish is going up again you will know about it. I will have him take up a colored woman if I can. Dont worey about me but take things as they come Give my fond regards to Brother Campbell

 

Ever yours

George

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