...unless it is taken in the start but I happened to get the right medicine and it soon drove it out But I must tell you something else day before yesterday the news came that General Grant had taken Vicksburg and 27,000 prisoners And to day General Banks has taken Port Hudson and a large army and stores so you see things are progressing here a little and we are getting some prisoners on our hands

 

            Last thursday the 2^d of this month I took to the Express office a small box and sent to you. it had in it some seeds and those shells that I wrote to you about a small teacup and a small glass salt dish that used to belong to the rebs a mug and medicine glass and a tumbler that I had given to me and a plated locket that I want you to have yours and the childrens likenes put in and sent to me (after I get my pay again and send it to you) and I will get mine taken and send you and I put in the box the letters that I had got since I came south please keep them for me, I could not well take care of them here there was some other things in it that is of no great consequence only a small flat bottle. also a mettal bottle that had medicine in you can wash it out and and use it if you want. those mellon seed you must give Reynolds some of them when you get them there was / some wild peas and some honey locus in there

 

If you do not get the box after a little you must let me know and I will send you the receipt that I got at the Express office for it the freight is paid on it to Newark I sent in care of T. F. Horton you will have to pay for bringing it from the depot probably a shilling

 

Sam Lake started for home last Saturday he was discharged on account of his health and will probably be home before this gets there I sent Mrs french the house wife and pocket book and watch that belonged to French by him. W. S. Drake is sick yet but is gaining slowly he is so that he is up around some and will probably soon be well again

 

            I have not yet recd any pay and do not know when I shall it makes my heart ache to think that I cannot get what is my due while you and the children need it so much I am afraid that it will be some time before I get it as all of our company and regimental papers are in the hands of the rebs they took the place where they were left and as a matter of course got them but I will try and get some some way and send you as soon as I can Write soon & often           

L. V. Tucker

 

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I send in this a ring for lilly that was one 1 cent

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