Camp Hope Sept Sep 7^th /62

 

Dear John

            Yours of Aug 5^th was received some time since, but I thought it was useless for me to answer it immediately as Wat Caruth would tell you all the news I could write We are still camped near Austin engaged in drilling. Our Reg is well drilled There is 8 Texas Regiments and 7 Arkansas Reg here and 9 more Texas Regiments expected here in a few days The health of the Texas troops is very good. the Arkansas troops have a great deal of sickness among them, they are dying like sheep with the rot. I expect we will leave here in a few days I don't know whether whether we will go to Helleny or the Missour I think it is time we was doing something else besides drilling From the late dispatches received here our Armies have been very successful in Kentucky Virginia and Tenn.

 

I was appointed Ordnance Serg by Col Darnell for his Reg I did not wish the appointment as the boys was very much opposed to giving me up as Orderly I declined the appointment, and Capt Allison protested against giving me up, but it all done no good the Col said I was the man he wanted for that position It is not a hard office to fill I do pretty much as I please I have enjoyed myself finely since I have been here, visiting the girls and eating watermelons and peaches I become acquainted / with several very interesting young Ladies when I was at Austin sick I am big Ike with some of the Arkansas gals. Col Sweet gave a party to the Texas soldiers last night. I understand that there was about 7000 men and 30 women there

 

It is unessary for me to give you any instruction about my hogs. As you know better than I do what is best to do with them, you can either fatten the largest hogs and sell the others as they are, or sell them all as they are, do as you think best. Rent John Hart the old farm if he wants it. I did agree to pay for Franks washing any trade that you make for me I will be satisfied with, without you asking me for any instruction about it. I dont expect to go home until the war ends I dont think that will be very soon My health is good, I am fattening every day, but fare is rough, but I am blessed with a good appetite to eat what we have. we have beef cornbread sugar and molases, we can get vegetables and fruit sometimes by paying enormous prices for them. Onions are selling at 15 dollars per bushel, peaches from 3 to 5 dollars per bushel, watermelons from 1 to 5 dollars. Produce of all kinds are selling at big prices. Flour is selling at 15 dollars per hundred. There is a great difference made here between Confederate money and gold and silver. Confederate money is worth about 33 1/3 cents on the dollar. Some of the men here are barefooted and almost without clothing. I dont know what they will do. They have no money and if they had it would be hard for them to / find any clothing or shoes for sale. boots are worth 30 dollars a pare I have written every thing that I can think of, that would be in the least interesting to you

 

Give my love to Sue and the children and accept of the same for yourself

 

From your brother

Nat. S Floyd

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