6 miles south Grand Junction, Tenn

November 18, 1862.

 

Dear Brother:

                        Your letter was received by me before leaving Corinth, but I have been too much occupied to find time to answer it until now. To-day I am out on Grand guard and take the interval between my watches to write you a few words. And first, let me tell you a little of the circumstances under which I write. I am seated near the top of a gently inclining hill, in a spot which overlooks a region of country of some 3 or 4 miles in length and from 1 to 2 in breadth. On either side of the valley a gentle slope of hill presents itself to the view. Along the valley meanders a little stream, by the side of whose waters the iron horse was accustomed to thunder his way; I say was accustomed; for beyond us the bridges / which the rebels have destroyed have not yet been fixed. A little to my right I see what at the North I would call a little village, there being a collection of some 10 or 15 small houses; but in reality, this is but a plantation, and these houses are negro quarters. Vast fields of cotton and corn show what has been the occupation of these negroes during the summer. These large plantations with their collections of negro quarters are a new sight to me. Only since my coming here have I seen them. The country around Corinth is very poor, and consequently there are not so many of the contrabands.

 

            By the way, speaking of these contrabands, provision has been made for those who are so numerously flocking into our lines. They are all sent to Grand Junction, where a camp has been formed for them, under the superintendance of the Chaplain of the 27^th Ohio, one of the Regiments of our / Brigade. They are to be employed, under guard, in picking these cotton fields. They will thus be taken care of and pay by their work for the expense their keeping will make.

 

            Yesterday we moved our camp some five miles. We are at present encamped near the railroad, which, by the way, is being repaired as fast as we advance. Since coming here I have fared magnificently in the eating line. We took the place of other troops, who were marched to another position. They left behind them corn meal, flour, and fresh meat, and my partner found enough potatoes to make us two good messes, and for two or three meals now we have lived right royally. They left behind plenty of cooking utensils, so that we had no difficulty in cooking our meal and flour.

 

            How long we will remain here is entirely uncertain. We may stay two weeks, we may leave to-morrow. A soldier / in the field is at any time liable to hear the command, "Take up thy bed and walk".

 

            We have had some changes in our officers. The General of our Division has gone to Kentucky to take charge of all the cavalry there. This is Gen. Stanley. He is succeeded by a man by the name of Rost I believe. You had better however, still direct your letters to Stanley's Division. In our Regiment our Lieut. Col. has become Col. and there have been quite a number of other promotions. This matter of promotions however, goes much by favor. Influential friends are an almost indispensable auxiliary in procuring a commission. The extent to which drinking prevails among the officers officers of the army is alarming. There are very few who do not indulge more or less, and some of them become beastly drunk, even at times when of all others men should be sober. I have never mentioned it before, but at the day after the battle of Iuka General Stanley lay dead drunk by the side of the road while our Brigade passed along. I do not know that he has ever been drunk in time of battle and he is in a military point of view, a brave and good officer, but he certainly presented a very poor example that day to his command. At the battle of Corinth I saw officers so drunk that they could hardly hold to their horses. In our Regiment I do not believe that there are more than two or three officers who do not drink more or less.

 

            But I must close. I received your stamp, and also those mother sent by Mr. Rice. The grapes were not so good as though fresh, but they tasted very well. Many thanks to Nealie for the cushion. It proves handy. I received a letter from mother last night. I was very glad to do so as I had not heard from home for two or three weeks. Perhaps the mittens and socks that she spoke of can be sent by mail. I do not need them, however very much, now. As it is uncertain where I shall be you need not be particular

 

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about the boots. I received some papers from you 2 or 3 days ago. Does McCormick say he has paid part of that due bill? If he does it is not so. Not one cent has he ever paid on it.

 

            Direct your letters to Cairo Ill. and I will get them wherever I may be.

                                                                                               

Your Brother

George

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