Memphis, Tenn. Aug. 12, 1863

 

Dear Mother:

                        Your letter sent by Jos. Lapham was received a day or two since, but from a pressure of duty I was unable to answer it immediately. Our Company is now detached from the Regiment, together with Co G. We are guarding the R.R. depot, and acting as an escort to the train, to defend it in case of an attack by guerrillas. Every day 25 out of our detachment go out as far as Grand Junction, 52 miles, and return on the train from Corinth which we meet there. We have a special car built for us. It is shaped somewhat like a gunboat, with slanting sides and open from the hight of the breast to the roof. The sides are planked as a protection against bullets. I have been out on one trip, / and find it rather a pleasant trip. There is very little danger from guerrillas. Two companies whom we relieved have not been fired into, although they have acted as escort for about six months.

 

            Since being detached we have shifted our camp. I was afraid we would not secure as pleasant a camp again, but we are in a more pleasant place than before. The only drawback is that we are now troubled by mosquitoes,—a thing unknown to our other camp. Especially when we are on guard at the depot are they assiduous in their attentions enlivening us the livelong night with their sweet songs. The rats too are plenteous. Last night one of them tried to make a bedfellow of me, but I, not relishing his company unceremoniously gave him leave of absence. In the end however his ratship conquered, as after his attempt, I could / not fall into the least doze, without seeing him in fancied vision repeating his endeavors. But we are only at the depot one day in three or four, and on the whole, I am quite pleased with our new position.

 

            We now have a contraband to do our cooking for us. His pay only amounts to about 75 cents a month apiece, and I had much rather pay it than bend over a fire this warm weather. I also have most of my washing done now. I do not believe that were I to wash till doomsday that I would ever become use to it. Hereafter I will know how to pity women on washdays. You won't catch me grumbling again even if I don't happen to have quite so good a dinner on that day.

 

            I was down at the market awhile this morning. There is / a very good market, but what prices. Tomatoes 10 cents a quart, inferior blackberries 20 cents a quart, cucumbers 3 small ones for a dime; apples 3 for a dime, etc., etc. It don't take long to use up a dollar in market. How dearly would I love to have free access to the tomatoes in the garden at home. I have had one or two messes of tomatoes lately, and I have relished nothing better since leaving home.

 

            Everything goes on quietly here. Nothing of importance is occurring.

 

            I attended church in the city last Sabbath, and had the privilege of listening to the same sermon again, which I rather severely criticised in one of my letters to Jerusha. It was repeated at the request of members in the audience. I must confess that the audience and I differed somewhat in regard to its merits. I must say however that he had retouched it, so that I liked it much better the second time than the first.

 

            The address of my letters will remain the same, notwithstanding our being detached. Remember me to all inquiring friends.

                                   

Your Son,                                                                   

George.

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