Walnut Hills June 16^th 1863

 

My dear Wife Emelia

                                    Since I last wrote I have received a letter from you of May 30^th with one from Mr Campbell. I should have wrote before but I have been on duty so much that I was obliged to rest in the day time (Most of our duty is nights) but I shall write as often as I can. I thought when I last wrote that we should be in Vicksburg before I wrote again but the Rebs still hold out, though I think they are haveing a very hard time and if deserters tell the truth they cannot hold out long. they say they are on less than half rations and many are killed and wounded every day and night by our shells from the gun boats mortars and Artilery. The piquets talk with each other often but it is most always low and vulgar and does not interest me much. I have no news to write you every thing is going on just as it was when I last wrote you. if I live I will tell you many things about the seige of Vicksburg that will interest you but I cannot write them. You say you are thinking of me all the time I know you are my good brave little Wife and my thoughts are constantley of you and the children. I think of you all the time when I am on duty nights and wish I could step in when you are all / asleep and take you in my arms then a tear will start Emelia. I cannot help it though I am a soldier and see many hard things but my heart is as tender as ever and my love for you grows stronger every day. I have as much hope as I can and trust in God. Eph^m always said God was good. I often think when we are shooting every thing at the Rebs that can be thought of to kill and wound them that I should like to go and talk with them and ask them to love God and man. (I mean your God and my God not the Methodist God) I do not like to shoot men though they may do every thing that is wrong. Dan got a letter from Eliza did you write it for her. he is well and sends much love, her brothers were well when he saw them last, one of them has gone away and he dont know whare they are he is. I am looking for Gulick every day hope he will come soon. I hope the colts are well by this time. I shall sureley get a mate for Kit if I live and they will make a nice team for our light waggon. By the way is it stored in Clinton yet. I think we shall be paid soon and I shall send all I can to you. I am going to try and pay Oliver as soon as I can. I never shall think much of them hereafter for I dont think they have treated you decent but we will be friendley till we get clear of them. I send with this my Sargeants Warrent I wish to keep it and I have no use for it now I have my commission I shall take that home if I live. I am with C^o H yet get along very well. I can write no more this time. Pick a boquet for me and press it under your pillow and keep it till I get home

 

Ever your own true                 George

 

Perhaps Eliza will let you have a little of the money Dan sends her to help pay her fare but you must do as you think best. I hope the neighbors will not make trouble with her

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