Provost Marshal's Office,

Natchez, Miss.,           Nov 17^th 1863.

 

Dear Brother & Sister

                                    Yours of Oct 30^th came to hand this evening, and as I am at leisure I thot I would answer it. I have not had any word from you for some time, neither have I written for several days 'till I wrote to Amanda. I learned through a letter from Martha that you had gone East also that Father was going home with you I hope he will enjoy his visit. In regard to my going into the Negro Service. I have made up my mind to decline the offer for several reasons one of which is the time is too long for me. as regards to resigning I suppose you know, that an officer who resigns now must have a very plausible excuse for so doing in order to get an honorable discharge from the war Dept. besides that a person getting a position in a Negro Regt and then resigning after makeing a few hundred dollars is looked upon as one haveing the Green-Backs more in view than he has the cause of his country / other things that I have seen in the Regt that is now stationed here made me act as I have in declineing the offer. I think I have got a purty sure thing of staying in the office 'till spring, which will be much easier than carrying a musket, and if I live 'till then and get mustered out of the service, I will be entitled to some rest, while others tries the beauties of a soldiers life. The Regt has left Natchez and gone to Vicksburg. report says that it is comeing back again. I do not know how true it is We are haveing the finest weather now that I have ever seen just as warm as spring I suppose you had a pleasant time shooting You ought to come down here I never seen game as plenty in Ills as it is down here But it is rather dangerous going out to hunt it. The Rebels dont like the idea of the Yanks hunting on their premises. But my sheet is full so must close. Remember me to Father tell him I would be pleased to have a letter from him soon. Write soon as Ever your

                                                                       

Brother George

 

 

(Answered Dec 13/63)

 

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Direct Natchez Miss

Provost Marshals Office

In care of Lt Col F. S. Lovell

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