Camp of the 160^th N.Y. Vols

Near Hawkinsville G^a

Sept 18^th 1865

 

Friend Tucker

                        Having a few moments leisure I thought I would write a few lines to you. We have passed through some terible scenes sins I saw you. I hardly know where to begin but I will say first that my health is good and has been so sins last summer. I learn that you are at home with your family well I am glad of it. glad to think you went through safe. You know all about our marching & fighting in the Shenandoah Valley our going to Washington last spring and also leaving Va. for Georgia last June. We arrived in Savannah 30^th of June after a very pleasent voyage of 6 days on the noble Steam Ship / Northern Light. we lay in camp about ½ mile outside of Savannah until 5 A.M. Monday July 24^th when we (160^th 75^th 90^th 162^nd N.Y. Regts) started over land for this place where we arrived feet sore & weary

 

Sunday 6 A.M. Aug 6^th 1865

We are encamped ¾ of a mile from the village of Hawkinsville in a grove of pines, oak, sweet gum & hickory and occasionly a persimmon tree. How long we will stay here I do not know but I think we will stay here until about the 1^st of Nov. We marched the distance about 175 miles in the hotest season of the year and I think it is hoter here than it is in La on account of the soil which is sandy, and it being heated and the direct & reflected rays of the sun makes it almost unendurable I marched all the way with the Regt The country all the way between here and / Savannah is almost an unbroken wilderness one immense pine forrest only broken once in from 2. to 10. or 15 miles by a clearing (and generaly log hut) of from 1. to 30. or 40 acres this planted with corn & watermelons always plenty of peach trees around each house of which we failed not to strip of the fruit. We have had all the peaches & melons we wanted ever sins we started from Savannah The country is very thinly populated about here and 9/10 of the inhabitants are Negroes, and these with the exception of a very few whites are the most industrious & inteligent portion of community. Every thing is quiet the darkies are working for their former masters, and have signed a contract to work (those who are able) until Christmas, and the master agrees on his part to feed & clothe them (men women & children) God have mercy on the blacks after Christmas for they certainly will suffer unless the government makes some provisions for them

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