East Jaffny July 14, 1863

 

Friend Weston

                        Yours of the 27^th June came to hand last week. Not however until we were all made glad by the news of the surrender of Vicksburg and the defeat of Lee by Gen^l Meade in Penn^a. The defeat of Lee was a disastrous thing for the rebels—their loss being some 33,000 in all. Meade is following them up and will give them battle soon if he has not done so before now and we all feel confident he will defeat them again. The loss of Vicksburg is a heavy blow and will effectually open the whole river to navigation at once. We feel this way that Gen. Grant has shown himself to be far the best man & officer we have got in the field. He has never failed to accomplish what he undertook and had he been in command of the army of the Potomac forces he would have been in Richmond long ago. It is universaly acknowledged that the Western men have fought like devils when they have had a chance.

 

The draft has just commenced in this state / and I expect that Geo. my brother who is with me now or my self will be drafted. Think I shall pay my 300 Dollars rather than leave my business which is very good now. Had I no family or business I would not hesitate a moment—in fact should have been in the service long ago. My health has not been as good this spring as formerly. I had a severe attack of the Diptheria in April and have not felt as well as before. Eliza Ann & Fred are pretty well although Fred is not healthy—he has seen much sickness. We think of Emelia and your little ones often but the tone her letters are so cheerfull that we cannot but help but admire her spirit & rejoice that it is so. I hope you will be spared to return your home sound & well in a short time—and we think the rebellion is on its last legs. A few more defeats with the loss of Richmond & Charlestown will finish it up. Slavery has received its death blow and I thank God for it.

 

The folks at Dublin all well Spencer & wife Eliza Ann & Fred send regards to you. Shall be pleased to hear from you often.

 

Yours Truly                C. H. Powers

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