August 1^st 1864          

 

Dear Parents

                        Your verry welcome letter of the I have just recd also one from Loomis at the same time I am rather tired I came in from the skirmish line having been out for 24 hours it rained verry hard and I have taken cold and feel tough all that I have for a shelter is a rubber blanket a jacket and one shirt one pair pants one pr of worn out shoes and socks this is my whole wardrobe with the exception of body lice which is no disgrace as Col Buckinham is affected with them our regimental loss on the battle field of Peach tree Creek amounts to fifty four in killed and wounded 

 

Robert Allisson has been sent back to Marietta Col Ross is commander of the above named place I wish he would take his regiment to do provost duty old fighting Joe has left us and gone to Washington to take charge of affairs in that city we have lost a great and good General and hope the time will not be long before Hooker will take us with him Genl McPherson fell in the bloody battle of the 22^nd the loss of the Johnnys in the battles of the 20^th 22^nd and 26^th are estimated at 30 000 so many dead rebs never were left in our hands before Hood is the only Rebel General that ever came out on open field fight to fight our army the Rebel color bearer of the 33^rd Miss was knocked down by a pvt in the 136^th NY (they belong to our brigade) he took the colors from the reb and turned / round saying I have a reb flag just then the color bearer drew a revolver and shot him at the same moment seven bullets pierced the color bearer this was all that the 136^th lost on the 20^th. we are still around Atlanta probaly half way around it it is rather slow work but I hope the time will not be far distant when the city will fall into our hands many lives have been lost on both sides already and many more may but Atlanta is doomed the health of the regiment is not verry good the campaign has been a severe one to day we enter our third year I will draw to a close hoping to hear from you send postage stamps and money for I am hard up not having been paid in seven months love to all

 

and I Remain Your Affectionate Son

Geo S Palmer

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