Corinth, Miss. April 8, 1863.

 

Dear Mother:

                        Your letter of March 28^th came to hand day before yesterday, and to-day I seat myself to answer it.

 

            Yesterday was a great day here. It was the anniversary of the settlement of Ohio, the taking of Island Ten, and the second day's battle at Corin Pittsburg Landing. On this latter account more particularly the day was celebrated. Early in the morning we received orders to hold ourselves in readiness for review. At twelve o'clock our Brigade was formed and marched to the General's headquarters in town. In the Public Square in front of his quarters a tall pole had been erected, on which the star spangled banner was to be unfurled to the breeze. In the square and up / the streets leading to it were stationed the artillery cavalry and infantry of the post. The glistening arms, and the regular uniforms of the men as they gathered around formed a scene of picturesque beauty. The celebration was opened by the unfurling to the breeze of the old flag, which was greeted with loud cheers from the men. The artillery also boomed forth its salutation, and the band played the "Star Spangled Banner". I could not help but think of the scenes of last 4^th of October. At that time also the artillery thundered forth; but then each roar was the death knell of many a rebel. Cheers also rang out upon the air; but they were the cheers of victory after deadly conflict. Then too the flag waved in the breeze, but rebel hands were seeking to trail it in the dust. To-day very different is the scene. Now the battle worn / veterans of many a fight have peacefully come together to celebrate the anniversary of that day which in reality gained for them the soil they now tread. Here from her hills and valleys Ohio has sent her sons to maintain the honor of the old flag. Little did that little small band of pioneers who 75 years ago laid at Marietta the foundations of the great State of Ohio imagine that in three quarters of a century the sons of the town they then founded would celebrate the day in far off Mississippi, where they had gone to strike down traitor hands. But Ohio's sons are not alone. From the broad, fertile prairies of Illinois from young Iowa, and from far off Michigan are gathered many a representative. Indiana too is not without her sons here. It is a scene well worth witnessing. /

 

            An ovation was delivered by Col. Bayne of the 50^th Illinois. The loss of his right arm bore testimony to his part in the battle of Shiloh. He made a very good speech, reviewing to some extent our progress thus far in the war. He was very severe upon the Copperheads. He was an old Democrat, a supporter of Douglas, but one that valued his country more than party. He stands by the Administration, and his denunciations of home traitors were very bitter. He warned them that they need expect very little mercy from the returned soldiers. He closed by referring to the justness of our cause, and appealing to all officers and men to live more in a manner to correspond with it.

 

            The exercises were concluded by a grand review by Brig. Gen. Dodge, commander of the post. The day was one long to be remembered.

 

            You speak of Hiram's expecting to go to California in July. It surprised and troubled me considerably. I hardly know what to say about the matter, but it seems scarcely right to for you to be left alone. I am aware how Hiram is situated, and it is very hard to decide what should be done. I hope he may be guided from above in this matter.

 

            I wrote to Mr. Ewart a week two or three weeks since, but from your not speaking of it, I presume he has not received the letter.

 

            We have not yet been paid off, but I presume we shall be soon.

 

            Do not overwork yourself this summer. Better let the garden go than do that.

 

            No furloughs are granted here as yet, nor probably will there be any until after the decision of the matter at Vicksburg. The old troop will then have the first claim.

 

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Remember me to Mrs. Leonard and family. I am sorry to hear she is no better.

           

My love to all.

Your Son

George.

           

Please send a few more postage stamps.

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