Memphis, Tenn. Aug. 30, 1863

 

My Dear Sister:

                        Your last letter was received day before yesterday, enclosing $1. It did not come at a very opportune moment (that is the money), although I am none the less obliged to you on that account. The day before your letter came to hand we were paid off for four months. I had already made the arrangements to send my money retaining a very liberal allowance to pay a few debts and furnish a few delicacies for my comfort from time to time. I thought that I would make use of the State Agency as a means of transmission this time, it being entirely safe although not quite so speedy. Enclosed you will find a check for $35, which you will give to mother. It is to be collected at the Co. Treasurers office, / She will have to wait until they receive her name and the amount sent from the State Agent, which they will probably have received however in the course of 4 or 5 days after the receipt of this letter. There is no risk of losing the money in this way, as the State is responsible for it. I wish mother to retain all the money for her own use, as I know she will need it.

 

            We are still on detached duty. The other day there was a little raid at one of the railroad stations which varied the monotony of the regular routine a little. I did not happen to be in the train that day however. Forty or fifty guerrillas made a dash in the pickets and came within a few hundred yards of the station where the train was stopping at the time. The Engineer put on all steam and the train fairly flew until beyond the reach of danger. The guerrillas / were driven off and 10 or 15 of them captured by the guard at the station. It was very rash and bold in them to come so near a place, where there was a guard that outnumbered them ten to one. Unless they throw us off the track our guard of 25 can keep 75 of them from doing any injury to the train.

 

            I notice a good deal of cotton coming in. One day I saw not less than 50 bales—about $10,000 worth. A good deal of it seems to come from a distance, as the wagons are provided with cooking utensils and sleeping apparatus. I suppose much of it comes from Northern Mississippi. They will not allow it to be transported on the railroad for some reason, and consequently it all comes by wagon.

 

            Gen. Grant was in the city last week, and a grand reception was given him. I did not see him. The only time that I have / ever had a sight of him was last fall when he reviewed our Brigade at Oxford, Mississippi. He stands in much higher favor amongst us since his campaign in Vicksburg and vicinity.

 

            In my last letter I wrote you that the weather was exceedingly warm. Had I delayed writing the letter six hours longer I might have told another tale as that very day a very sudden change took place. Nights and mornings we find a fire very comfortable now, and the days are delightfully cool. So sudden a change however is very unhealthy, and a good many are sick. My health remains good.

 

            I have visited the Christian Commission rooms again, and find it a very pleasant place of resort. Each day at 4 o'clock there is a prayer meeting for ½ hour, which although the attendance is very small is a good meeting. The Agent here is seems to be a very pious devoted man.

 

            To-day is the Sabbath. I had congratulated myself that I should be able to attend church, but in consequence of the sickness of others, I am on duty and so am prevented. I wish that I could be with you to enjoy the Sabbath School and sermon at home to-day.

 

            An abundance of money brings with it no small evil as well as good. Too many waste their hard earnings in the whisky ship and house of bad repute. I am proud of the name of soldier, but I must confess that when I see soldiers—officers as well as privates staggering along the street or walking arm in arm with some loose character, I almost wish for the moment to don a citizens suit. There is vast room for moral improvement in the characters of very many of our officers and men. /

 

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But my sheet is full. I hope to hear from you soon again. My love to all, especially Eddie and Fannie. Your Brother

George.

 

I will send you a Memphis paper.

 

P.S.—Mother's letter of the 24^th is just received enclosing $1. I will write her in a day or two.

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