Memphis, Tenn. Aug. 7, 1863

 

My Dear Sister:

            Your letter of the 29^th ult., came to hand a few days since, but as I wrote three or four days since, I have delayed answering it until now.

 

            I promised to write you somewhat more concerning our prisoners, but I am at a loss now as to what I have already written, and will not say much, lest I repeat myself. I found many of them who had been pitted against us in different battles, and it was very interesting to talk of the position and part borne by each side in the battle. They tell me that in their retreat from Corinth last fall, they suffered terribly for water, as indeed they must have. We felt the / want of it very severely, but we had much more leisure to stop and hunt it out in the hollows. They tell me that we know scarcely nothing of hardship in our army; that they have often suffered terribly, in long marches, for want of food and clothing. One of them told me that he once marched two days with nothing to eat. Their Government is often unable to supply them clothing and shoes, and frequently many of them are barefooted. Their uniform is a dirty, dingy, greasy looking, no-color stuff, that makes the men look horrible. Most of them are dressed in their own clothes, however. The prices that they were compelled to pay for things in Vicksburg were awful. Biscuits $5 per dozen; pies $5 each; boots $50 to $75 per pair; flour $150 per barrel; soap $5 per bar. By the way, no wonder the secesh are dirty. Their Government / furnishes them no soap, and $11 a month will not buy many extras in C.S.A. Their Government charges them for shoes $9; for a coat $12; for pants $12; for a very coarse hat $3. As you have probably read in the papers, before the surrender of Vicksburg they were reduced to mule meat. They tell me that when fat it is very good, but when poor tastes very strong; many of them eat rats in preference. They were reduced to quarter rations. They tell me that as a general thing they have plenty to eat, such as it is; i.e. corn meal and fresh meat. They must all think that Pemberton sold Vicksburg.

 

            I was quite amused with one young Frenchman from whom I procured my Confed. writing paper and to whom I gave two or three sheets of my own paper. He was / in perfect ecstacies to see such nice paper. I told him that we called it Commercial note, upon which he said with surprise, "Commercial note! why that is nice enough to be love note paper"; and he expressed the intention of using his to write to his "duck" with.

 

            Day before yesterday we had a brigade review. It was terribly hot, and the review took place in a large open field. Fully 75 men were compelled to leave the ranks on account of the heat, myself among the number, and many had to be carried away. For a few days past it has been very warm. I think that the secret of so many of our men giving out however, is due to our fare as much as anything else. On account of the rascality or carelessness of Quartermasters, we get almost nothing to eat. We have had fresh meat but twice in three months, and three days out of five we have nothing for dinner except bread. The officer who reviewed us has ascertained these facts, and I am in hopes that we may obtain a little better fare in future in consequence.

 

            How are Eddy and Fanny getting along? Tell Eddy that Uncle George often thinks of him, and that he wants him to learn to write as soon as he can, so that he can write to him. Tell him to be a good boy and learn as fast as he can.

 

            The 77^th passed here day before yesterday on their way to Helena. I think a few months in the field will wear off the "Sunday soldier" look that many of them now have.

                       

Write soon to             

Your Brother,                                     

George.

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