Camp of the 15^th Reg Ills Vols

at Lafayette Feb 17^th 1863

 

Dear Brother & Sister

                                    Yours of the 9^th was received yesterday and as it happens that I have nothing to do to day I concluded I would spend a portion of it in writing to you, tho I have nothing new to write about, the same dull monoty of camp life continues I am beginning to wish for a change may-be it will come soon enough. I wrote to you a week ago I presume you will get the letter some time during the present year I wish I could think as you do about the Rebel army being disbanded by the first of May. I think there is a poor show for us doing any thing as long as we so many traitors in our midst. If we succeed / in takeing Vicksburg then I think we will have accomplished a great deal towards putting down this Rebellion, but the takeing of that place I am fearfull is going to be a failure for the present. time alone will show.

 

We had quite a scare in camp a few mornings ago. it was reported that the Rebels was comeing in all of a sudden I tell you guns, cartridge boxes was hunted up in double quick time we got out formed into line, stacked arms and waited for them to come but they didn't so it was all a Hoax Sue. you asked me what we were going to do with the darkies well we are haveing them to do our cooking, washing &c The mess I belong too has a splendid cook I wish you could have some of the corn bread he bakes you would / uterly discard wheat bread.

 

I presume there will be a move put on foot to organize them into Regts to do some of the fighting I wish they would as I think if they are to be free, they should help to fight for their freedom. You asked me about sending me some medicine I do not need any at present, as I secured a good supply before our Doctor left us. I will let you know when I need any.

 

I had a letter from George & Kate a few days ago the first I have had for a long time. You speak of the wet weather you are haveing if it is worse there than it is here I pity you. to have a chance to see the sun shine here is considered quite a rarity. But as I want to send this letter in to days mail I must close. Give Sallie a kiss for me in return to the one she sent. Remember me to Mr Slagle & Mr Smith. Write soon

           

as ever your Brother George

 

[margins]

 

Tell Amanda I will write to her soon that I have not forgotten that I owe her a letter

Geo

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