Headquarters 33^rd Wis. Vol.

Camp Near Vicksburg Miss.

January 24, 1864

 

My Darling Annie—

                                    We have had no mail since I last wrote you and I am still pressed down almost to despair with torturing fears anxiety and suspense—To know that my dear Annie was well as I write this beautiful Sabbath morning would be the greatest blessing heaven could bestow.

 

            Oh how it would relieve my poor distressed heart! and make me almost leap with joy. I can look for no relief today however as we have no mail on Sundays. So I must bear my troubles as best I can. / I will leave you my loved one in the hands of our heavenly Father, endeavor to exercise faith in His precious promises and believe that all is well with you, and that my trials are designed for my good.

 

            I humbly pray that the good Lord will spare me the trial of having to spend such another Sabbath as this.

 

I do entertain a hope darling that four or five weeks more will end the time of our sepparation. The Col. said last night that if I would send in my resignation he would recommend that it be accepted and my accounts with the Government settled after I have a trial and before I am paid off. I immediately made out my resignation / and handed it in, together with all the necessary certificates which I have had ready for several weeks. I expect it will go forward to-day. if it does and is not returned before it gets to Genl. Sherman I think I shall be able to start home towards the last of next month. If I get an opportunity I shall go to Vicksburg tomorrow and see if I can do any thing to forward matters.

 

Nothing definite is known yet in regard to our Army Corps moving. Our Brigade is to be inspected and reviewed by Gen. Smith at 2 o'clock this afternoon, when we may learn something more in regard to the matter.

 

            My health I think is improving / some although I am not entirely rid of the ague yet. This does not trouble me however. I feel very thankful that my health is as good as it is. The only trouble I have worth mentioning is being separated from you darling and not able to hear from you. Compared with this all my other trials are nothing. my very existence seems to depend upon hearing from you. Each moment of delay seems longer than the one that preceded it, and each moment my loved wife seems dearer to me than ever before. With feelings I can not express I must end my miserable disconnected scribling.

 

For you my loved wife my earnest prayers shall be unceasing

 

            Ever Your devoted husband

            George

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