Camp in the field Nov 10^th 1863

 

            Dear Wife I avail myself of this opportunity of writing you a few lines to let you know that I am well at this time & doing very well so far as I know we have been marching for the last few two days with to day but where our destination is is more than I can tell you we are camped on bayou deglaze 2 or 3 miles below Mansura near where we camped last spring at the long Bridge as this is a pretty place to camp in dry weather we may stay here a while it is reported that we are going upon the Mississippi to fight gun boats & we may go down about Simsport on the Chafalya So I dont know any thing about it I have not any news of interest that is certain The federals are falling back again towards the bay Gen Green run in on them last week & killed & wounded 3 or 4 hundred & took nearly six hundred prisoners this is true for I saw the prisoners myself & I heard yesterday that he had taken one thousand more this is report we have it here that Lee has whipped Meads Army in Virginia & that Gen Bragg has whiped Rosencrans Army & has his (Rosencrans) transportation cut off. So they think he will have to surrender but this is all uncertain yet I am very much in hopes it is so if news that we hear is true our prospects for success is brightening at least I feel that way myself. Health is tolerable good in camp Scruggs is in very good health he has had no letter from his for a long time Mr piper wrote him a few lines & said Laura wrote regularly & sent him the necessary papers to get a transfer to Diamonds Corr but I dont think he can get it through here I dont think he can get a transfer & I dont suppose I could if I had the necessary papers from any other Co. 

 

            Well it is night & the mail starts out in the morning So I only write to let you know I am well & hope these lines may find you all the same I will write when we stop & give you all the news I know. Clark Loring is well & saucy James Downard is with us & well I saw Colonel Stone this evning he is well. I pray our heavenly father that he may take you & yours under his kind & merciful protection that he will guide & protect us through this life & prepare us as fit subjects to enjoy heaven & heavenly things hereafter yours truly                                                                                            

Thomas W Johnson

 

[overleaf]

Due 10

Mrs Martha E Johnson

Gainsville County Texas

 

From T. W. Johnson 3^d Sergt in

Co. I Hawpes Regt Polignac's

            Brigade

SOURCES