Franklin La Jan. 25^th 1864

 

Capt. Keller.

                        Sir it has been some time since I have heard from you and being anxious to know how you was getting along recruiting I thought I would write you a few lines relative to my where abouts thinking that it might be interesting to you to know. About the 1^st of the month we left New Iberia and come down to Franklin where we still remain. We are camped on the opposite side of the Bayou from the town on Mr Andersons plantation We have fatigue duty to do to all Eternity and also have to furnish Sixty men each day for Picket. We have a pontoon Bridge across the Bayou here now so boats don’t run any further up the Bayou now than this. A few days ago some of our Scouts went up to New Iberia to see what / the folks were doing and how they were getting along. they say that the Rebels have been in there and taken everything in the Shape of Clothing and Bread Stuff that they could find and more than that they conscripted every man under the age of Sixty and under over the age of Sixteen. the people there say they would rather have the Yankees than the Rebs to infest their town. The weather is beautiful warm and pleasant, the roads dry and nice. I dont think that I ever saw nicer weather in the month of May in Indiana than we have here now. the Sunny South is a very appropriate name for it now.

 

            Louisiana is making arrange ments for an election which will come off on the 22^d day of Feb. next the officers to be elected are Governor Lieut. Governor Secretary of State Treasurer Attorney General Supirentendent of Public instructions and Auditor of Public accounts who shall when elected constitute the civil goverment of the State under the constitution and Laws of / Louisiana except so much of the constitution and laws which recognize regulate or relate to Slavery which being inconsistent with the present condition of public affairs and plainly inappicable to any class of person now existing within its limits, must be Suspended. There is a man here now from New Orleans registering the names of the Voters in this Parish. Some say they are afraid to vote that our army may leave here and then the rebs would come in and hang every man that cast a vote.

 

            I heard the other day that the 47^th had gone across the Lake Poncheohtrain to some town I have forgotten the name. the papers say this Expiditoon is being fitted out for Mobile. I believe I have written all the news that I can think of just now. if these few lines should meet with your approveal I would Be glad to hear from you & know how you were getting along recruiting.     from your Friend

                                                                                    J. H Whitmer

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