2^nd August

 

Dear Mother:

                        To-day I received your letter of the 24^th. I am glad that you received my journal of 1^st to 5^th finally. The money in your letter was also received, for which accept my thanks. I am in hopes that we will be paid off before many weeks, so that I can send you a little money. I owe a considerable amount however in the Company; most of which is due for my watch.

 

            To-day has passed without much worthy of note. The rebels threw a few shell at us in the morning, one of which killed one of the 43^d, just adjoining us.

 

3^rd August.

            Morning opens very quietly. Scarcely any firing along the line. I visited a fort near us, whence a portion of the city and the rebel works are visible, about 1 mile or 1½ miles distant. The works appear to be very strong. Saw to-day Henry Miller of the 7^th Ohio Cavalry, and one or two other Marietta boys. The 7^th is camped / about 2 miles from us. About 6 P.M. a fierce battle takes place on the left of our lines. The rattle of musketry and roar of cannon was very brisk. What was the result of the battle I know not certainly. We have a report however that our forces gained a portion of Atlanta.

 

4^th August.

            Morning opens quietly. An occasional shot of artillery on our left.

 

            To-day is the one appointed by the President, if I recollect aright, as a day of fasting and prayer. I sincerely hope the day may not be spent as a mere pawn. As a nation, we need to acknowledge our dependence upon God. Vain is our superiority of numbers and arms unless the Lord is on our side. He can change the hearts of the rebellious, and incline them to cease this fearful contest. That He may speedily bless our land with peace, and that love and unity and righteousness may take the place of hate, dissension and vice is my earnest prayer.

 

            It isn't worth a whit to send me any soap. Although we do not have very much still we can get along with it by careful using.

 

            I heard from my friend, John Stewart yesterday. He is progressing finely. He is going home on furlough soon. I shall write to him to make a call on you during his stay, and I want you to treat him well on my account.

 

            I shall probably send this to-day.

                                   

Your Son,

George.

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