Near Jackson Miss July 16. 1863

 

My Dear Wife Emelia

                                    I have received 2 letters from you since I left Vicksburg one of the 19^th and one the 28^th of June and with them one from Mr C. John & Alvira I was very glad I assure you to get them all but none wer as welcom as yours. I can make myself content when I know that you and the children are well. I think your dresses are handsome and I hope to see you wear them sometime. We started from Vicksburg before light on the morning of the 5^th and arrived here on the 11^th and it was the hardest march we have ever had it was so hot and water so scarce. The "Rebs" had killed animals and put in all the ponds and places whare we could get water handy and we suffered much for water bright water. how many times I wished you could give me a good drink of water or milk. I know you will sometime if I live. We have been laying / here [faded] works [faded] no fighting to do [faded] and I hope we shall not have [faded] are here but they are going [faded] us and I have not had a chance to go and see them. I dont know how strong the Rebs are here for there are many stories but I think we shall be able to whip them. We are [faded] news from the East the report is here that Lee is badly whiped and that Richmond is taken I hope and pray it so for it will begin to look like daylight I am afraid you will not get the box but you may I have not been very well since I came here but dont you worey for it is nothing serious and I [faded] you must be careful and you [faded] about Johnson for I might get into trouble I dont know when I can get home but as soon as I can get a chance but dont say a word to any one. Dont worey if you do not hear from me for every thing is so unsertain. I think you had better get the red heifer home as soon as you can if she has a calf you can shut it up and she will stay if not keep her in the yard a day or two and leave the cows with her nights and she will stay I think you will lose her if you leave her up there. if they charge you to much for keeping you must leave it to some good men to say. Tell Mr C. I got his letter and will answer as soon as I can.

 

Ever your        George

I can write no more for this is all the paper I have but I have plenty at Vicksburg and shall get it soon

 

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I hope I shall get a peace of your cheese make all you can for hope to help you eat them

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