Chattanooga July 6^th 1862

 

Dear Father

                        I write you a few lines to let you know of my where abouts We started for this place the same day that I wrote to you by Lieut Sadler. We have been here for two or three days, it is a verry healthy place and we get good watter and aplenty to eat. I do not think there is any prospect for a fight at this place any way soon. I do not think there will be much more fighting done this summer as the Federalds have been so badly whipped in Virginia they will have to fall back to be reinforced. Report says that Linchon has called for one hundred thousand more troops. If he gets them I do not think they will do him / much good for he certainly has as many men now as he can do any thing to with. The last nuse nuse we we have had from Richmond Gen Mcleland was retreating before our armey and we were taking thousands of prisoners every day. I hope his whol armey will be captured Gen. Stonewall Jackson has been fighting them from every point he is now in the rear of Mclelands Armey and doing him all the damage he can We have taken a good many of the Federald Generals besides a good many killed and wounded It is reported that Gen Mcleland is mortally wounded I have no doubt but what it is so. We have taken a great many armes from / from them besides other things of great value to us. I hope the fighting is over there is a good-deal of talk about peace in camp and I hope it will be declared in a short time. If peace is made while we are here I am going to Virginia to see how thing have been working there. I want to see and know for myself what was done about Grand Father's Estate

 

I have had my notions about it and I intend to find out something about it if I can without putting myself to too much trouble. I want to see the State of Virginia any how. If I go there I will not be apt to go home for two or three month after I am discharged. If I knew where to write to I would write a letter to Aunt Hellen and find out how they are getting along /

 

I want you to write you to me as soon as you get this letter I would not be supprised at any time if we are ordered to Richmond, I hope we we will be. I have nothing more to write at present This leaves me with all the rest of the boys improveing in the way of health. I am in better health than I have been, in the last four months

           

Your affectionate Son

I. M. Yoakum

 

P.S. I have not heard from you in two months   I. M. Y.

 

Direct your letters to Chattanooga Tenn. in stead of Mobile Ala.

 

This leaves me well    July 7^th 1862

                                   

I. M. Yoakum

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