June 22^d 1863

 

            Dear wife I embrace this opportunity of writing you a few lines to let you know of my whereabouts at this time we have been on the march for ten days in succession and are now on the road leading from washington to Berwicks Bay about forty miles from washington we first went to Simsport on the Atchafalaya bayou then down that some 20 or 30 miles then a days march in the direction of fort Hudson a days march there we got news that Banks had with drawn his troops from oposite Fort Hudson on this side of the river then that night at 12 Oclock we started back to the river & crossed and started for this place & will go on in the morning I recon where we will stop I dont know neither do I know where the yankees are we got news to day that Gen^l Johnson had taken the left wing of Gen^l Grants army but we get very little news at present especially the privates we have done some very hard marching considering the weather being so warm yesterday we had a very hard rain on us all got thoroughly wet through & there are some got colds to day from it as to myself I have no reason to complain of health as I feel about as well now as I have since I have been out here and stand marching some better if any diference. I intended on writing about the time we started to march but the we was expecting / a big fight & I knew you would be in suspense till you heard from me again I do not know whether there is a fight expected soon or not I have not heard a word from you since Bent Wheeler came in & you dont know how anxious I am to hear from you I sent you two hundred dollars by Parson Hamel I dont know whether you got it or not I would to know whether you have sold that place yet or not. your judgment will guide you in respect to buying wheat for bread if it is low perhaps you had better lay in a supply even if you have to borrow the money I expect by the time you receive this it will be time to sow turnip seed you will know best about that the federals have taken a great many negroes from this country & other property there will be very little sugar raised in this country this year corn crops sorrow Ben Scruggs was at Alexandria when I last heard from him James & Will Downard was left at Mansura sick but not very we have 16 men in our company now rank & file I have drawn $212.00 have James Downard I am owing Scruggs $100.00 yet I have been elected 3^d Sargeant of the company & am acting as 1 Sargeant now it is getting late & I must close I will write as soon as I stop so farewell my dear may Gods blessing rest upon you & the children

 

your afectionate Husband                                                      

Thomas W. Johnson

 

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Kiss the children for me & your self.

 

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Direct your letter to Washington St Landry Parish Lou^is Hawpes Reg^m Speights Brigade

 

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Give my respects to friends & Jess & Matilda           yours   T W J

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