Memphis, Tenn. May 27, 63

 

Dear Sister:

                        Your last letter was received nearly a week since, but a pressure of duty has hitherto hindered an answer.

 

            It is now two weeks since we left Corinth and set our faces Memphisward. As you are aware that move came very unexpectedly to us. The sending of large numbers of troops to Vicksburg from this point necessitated the movement. We left Corinth early in the morning, and reached Memphis about 5 o'clock the same evening. We occupied a very favorable position for viewing the country, being on top of the cars. Time was when passenger cars only were considered fit for Uncle Sam's boys to ride in; but times are altered now. We are not particular as to the mode of transportation. It is sufficient that we can procure it at all. In this case however we were just suited. Necessity and choice embraced each other. Our route was a somewhat roundabout one. The road from Grand Junction to Corinth is not in order, so we went to Jackson, Tenn. and thence to the Junction. Direct distance from Corinth to Junction / 93 mi 47 miles.—distance around 100; from Corinth to Memphis 150 around; 93 direct. For a few miles we whirled along in Mississippi. The features of the country are the same as those for 30 miles around Corinth: swamps and forests, varied by an occasional log hut. If I had seen no other part of Mississippi than that around Corinth I should most heartily detest it. Fortunately I have seen some beautiful country in the vicinity of Holly Springs and Oxford, and consequently Mississippi escapes my utter detestation. But Tennessee I like. She has somewhat of dreariness where she touches Mississippi, but she soon recovers from it as you recede from the latter state. She resembles in her general features Ohio. There are the same gently rolling tracts of land, the same comfortable looking farm houses, and the same beautiful maidens. I found it difficult to realize that I was really on slave soil. But indeed much of the influence of slavery is broken. I saw a good deal of land under cultivation; but I saw very few negroes at work. The day when the South will no longer depend upon slave labor is not very far distant. Negro labor to a great extent must cultivate these Southern lands, but it will be free labor. I was somewhat surprised and a good deal gratified at the display of Union sentiment along our route. We were frequently cheered by the / waving of handkerchiefs. After so long seeing nothing but scowling, frowning faces, the change was especially cheering.

 

            The country between this city and Grand Junction is especially beautiful. It reminded me very much of that between Chillicothe and Cincinnati. For a distance of some four or five miles from Memphis, the railroad route is adorned with beautiful villas, half concealed by magnificent groves. By the way, speaking of groves, I have never seen a place equalling this in the number and handsomeness of its groves.

 

            The principal towns passed on the route were Jackson, Bolivar, Lagrange and Germantown. The very imperfect view which one would gain of them from the top of a railroad car would hardly justify me in speaking of them.

 

            The railroad route is strongly protected by stockade forts. They consist of planks driven into the ground so as to protrude some ten feet. Through each plank a hole is bored sufficient to admit a rifle. Behind this rampart, they themselves are safe, whilst they can pour a deadly fire upon their assailants. Of course they are not intended to resist the attacks of artillery.

 

            What has become of our great army? is a question we often hear asked. A ride along some of our railroad routes would help a person considerably in the solution / of this melting away of great armies. Between this point and Corinth alone, I do not think there are less than 10,000 troops. Moreover lately a good many have been sent to Vicksburg who were scattered along the same places. I think that our cavalry raids will necessitate a like scattering of the forces of the rebels hereafter. They have enjoyed immunity from attack on their railroad communication long enough.

 

            Hot is the mildest term applicable to the weather here just now. We find the beautiful shade of our camp exceedingly grateful. Rain is imperatively needed. As for vegetation, why strawberries have been ripe for two or three weeks and I saw ripe cherries yesterday.

 

            I was down town yesterday. My box has not come yet. All boxes that were sent to Corinth for this Regiment have been sent back to this place consequently it is not at Corinth, neither is it here; the inference therefore is that it is on the road.

 

            By dint of patient perseverance I was enabled to make out about four fifths of Mr. Ewart's letter. Gov. Chase's manuscript I reckon the hardest to read of any I have ever had to deal with. Mr. Ewart ranks next. I think if I keep on improving I too will some day rank amongst great men in this respect. As for instance, witness my present scrawls.

 

            It is the middle of the day and decidedly too hot to write any more. So therefore I'll quit.

                                               

Your Brother

The "Sojer Boy",

                                   

In good health. Love to all.

SOURCES