Brandon, July 18^th

 

Dear Johnnie,

                        How I do pity you and the rest of our brave and noble soldiers who are exposed to the heat of this blazing sun on such a day as this, unless it is relieved by the pleasant breeze that we in the house are enjoying, it must be almost intolerable, even to one raised as far in the South as yourself. Our nation can never be sufficiently grateful to her defenders for they have borne every species of hardships, with a cheerful magnanimity that has never been surpassed. May they all receive a bright reward in this world as well as the / other, is my earnest prayer. When I think of what our gallant soldiers are enduring, I deplore most bitterly my incapacity to do anything for their relief, notwithstanding their sufferings. Who would not be a soldier now. I would rejoice in the privilege, even if I had to undergo twice what they do now rather than occupy the position that I now do. However, I try not to complain of my lot, but hope that as long as this unholy war lasts my gallant nephew and other friends who have promised to fight for me will be spared to defend my rights. Remember that when you are striking the enemy a blow in Georgia that / you are also materially benefitting us in Mississippi, for the marauders that have been raiding out through the country for the past two weeks say that if Sherman is defeated they will not come out again, but if successful they will occupy Jackson, build the railroad between there and Vicksburg, and of course take possession of this end too. then the denizens of Brandon will be in a nice fix. But I never liked to anticipate evil and will not, can not think they will be permitted to do that. For I can not cherish any other opinion than that Johnson with his noble band will be victorious, even tho' he / should give up Atlanta and fall back much farther than he is at present. The Yankees have not paid Brandon a visit this summer but we are on the [?] for them, and when they came to Jackson everyone thought they would be here in a few hours. I believe I was rather an exception to that general belief I did not feel alarmed, as I so fondly hoped that something would turn up to prevent them getting this far. I knew we had enough troops to contend with the force they had, and I relied upon this. The affair tho' badly managed from all I can learn of it, still it seemed to checkmate their plans and drive them back. They have started out again and we hear of them at Fort Gibson. /

 

I have not gotten a letter from Lou Gibbs for a long long time she treats me very shabbily. Sis Liz has gotten one letter from Sis Jane since we came, in which she said they very much feared the Yellow fever there this summer, and that the very thought of it made Lou quite nervous. said she was sick and tired of staying there and was thinking about coming out here. we have since seen a lady that she told she was getting ready to come out so we are looking for her every day. do hope she will come think it would do them all good. both the children have been very sick this summer, but now getting well when we last heard from them. /

 

I am glad you have a pleasant position on Gen Walthalls Staff I did not mean any insinuation when I alluded to your accepting the office of A.D.C. But I suppose a soldier cannot always choose his own position. Buddie has gone up to Bolivar Co. will be back again this week we hope his wound is healing very fast, he is very tired of infantry service, and is trying to get a transfer to a cavalry company. Evan Shelby who is a Captain in Starke's Reg. Jackson's Div is trying to get him in his Co & wrote him that he had it all arranged for him. If he goes up to that Army hope you will see something of him. Sis Lizzie says you owe her several letters but she will write to you when the spirit moves her. so favor me again soon with another of your interesting letters. Ma Lizzie & the children join me in love to you—Your Affectionate Aunt L

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