Memphis, Tenn. July 20, '63

 

Dear Mother:

                        Your letter of date of the 12^th came to hand yesterday. Jerusha's letter, containing an account of the wedding has not been received, and I presume has "gone the way of all the earth". I am sorry, for I was anxious to hear the particulars of the affair, and have looked for a letter concerning it for over a week. I know no other way now than for Jerusha to rewrite her letter. I cannot conceive what has been the reason of its non-arrival.

 

            I do not know in what respect you think me altered for the worse from my photograph. Physically I know that I am much hardier, and my com- / rades tell me that I look much more robust. I have been frequently told that soldiering is "bringing me out". They all at first prophesied that I was a candidate for the hospital, in consequence of my delicate appearance; but in view of my endurance hitherto, and of my altered appearance, not one of them utters such a prophecy now. In mere point of "good looks", I do not think that I have altered much for better or for worse. In general outline of features I am pretty much the same Geo. R. Gear. as when I left home.

 

            Of course, we are all greatly elated by the glorious successes which have crowned our arms of late. They have indeed been glorious victories, and we / have great cause of encouragement. Many look forward confidently to a speedy final triumph of our arms. I must confess that while I in some considerable degree share in this general rejoicing and hope, I cannot but feel a presentiment that the time for our final triumph has not yet come; that reverses are yet in store for us. I believe that a Higher Power than that of man is controlling this war, so as to work out His own wise purposes in the destruction of the giant system of oppression which has so long cursed our land. Philanthropists have sought for some means to accomplish this result in vain; but God is now leading us to this result through a path of blood. It does not seem to me that the time for the full accomplishment / of this purpose has yet come. There is still too much prejudice, and the system has still too much of a hold on the people of the South, and there are too many at the North ready to bow before it. I may be mistaken, but I have a presentiment that reverses are yet in store for us.

 

            We have received accounts of the dreadful riot in New York. Nothing but the most intense indignation against the rioters, and those who have incited them to it, prevails. "Why didn't they mow them down with grape and canister in the first place?" is the question asked. In reference to the necessity for a draft, we may say that the army is a unit, and wo be unto those who resist it. I am persuaded however, that this riot will result in good. It will open the eyes of the people to their danger. It is the legitimate offspring of those Fernando Wood Vallandigham Peace-at-any-price meetings that have been held in New York. I am persuaded that it will do great damage to Mr. Clement Val. and his followers.

 

                        But I must close

                                   

Write often and promptly.

                                               

Your Son

George.

 

Please send a few stamps, 1 and 3 ct. both.

 

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P.S. I omitted sealing this letter in hopes that I might yet receive that letter of Jerusha's, and I am glad to say that it did come. I will write to her to-morrow.

George.

 

The paper is also received.

 

Give me Hiram's address. I send a letter to him at M. to-day. You can open it and forward it.

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