Memphis, Tenn. July 13, '63

 

Dear Mother:

                        As Corporal Joseph Lapham, a member of our Company, to-day starts home on furlough, I take the opportunity thus afforded to send home another package of letters, and to write you a few lines I yesterday received Hiram's letter of the 5^th.

 

            There is nothing of especial interest transpiring here at present. We are all in excellent spirits on account of the great victories won by our armies of late. It begins to seem as though the time is rapidly nearing when peace shall be again restored to us on a solid foundation. Truly, in the midst of wrath, God is remembering us in mercy. It is not our own unaided strength that has so signally crowned us with victory, but it is because God has been our helper. To Him be all praise.

 

            We first on the morning of the / 5^th received the news of our victory at Helena. Then in the afternoon came the news of the surrender of Vicksburg. We were a little dubious about believing it at first, but when the official dispatch was shortly after read to us when drawn up in line, and salutes were ordered to be fired, doubt was swallowed up in victory, and cheer after cheer was given with a will that I shall never forget. The most unbounded enthusiasm prevailed. I never heard such cheering before; certainly never did I use my lungs more freely.

 

            The news from the East came a day or two later but we were not confident enough about anything from that quarter to cheer about it.

 

            Never, since the war began, have matters looked as faborable as now. Morgan I know has invaded Indiana; but I do not think he can ever escape capture. Then the calling out of more men by the President just at the time of our triumph, is just what is needed.

 

            Hiram, I suppose has sailed for Cal. ere this. You will feel very lonely for a while I presume, but I hope that God will comfort and sustain you.

                                   

Write often to

Your Son

           

Please send me another bunch of envelopes when Mr. Lapham returns.

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