New Orleans University Hosp

July 20th 1863

 

Dear Father

            I now proceed to write you a few words to show that I am well. I supose you have heard about me getting wounded at the last battle at Port Hudson if so I hope you will not let it worry you as I am doing as well as I can under the circumstances. it was a pretty hard fight and our company suffered the most in killed and wounded. we lost seven killed and perhaps a dozen wounded. Capt. Stanyan was wounded and taken prisoner and Sergt. Cobb and one of our corporeals who had the diptheria and the rebel physicians having no medecines he died. he was a fine fellow. now I suppose you would like to know about myself. I am doing first-rate my wound was through the right shin but it did not break the bone but knocked off one piece and the Doctor took out several little splinters now I am all right. I have got so as that I can go around a little, so you can see that I am doing well. I received a letter from Lizzie a day or two ago and she said that you had written to me but I have not received it yet. I hope I shall receive though, for I always like to hear from you I get more news. Lizzie did not speak about the family much and she writes so poorly I can hardly make out her writing. she must try and do better if she wants to write to me. somehow I do not seem to get much news when I get letters. I think I should like a small box of luxeries I do not hardly know what you had better send but such things as I could use in hospital. for the Drs. are very strict what is sent and they examine the boxes before they are delivered to the owner the news all around is very cheering Port Hudson and Vicksburg taken and our folks doing so well in the north. now the mississippi is opened the back-bone of the rebellion is broken. already has the steamers began to come from St Louis there was quite a crowd out to see it. but some of the seecesh couldn’t believe it and swore it was a boat from Baton Rouge but they begin to get scared hearing so much news in favor of the Union. there was great times in New Orleans on reception of the news about Vicksburg and Port Hudson there were torchlight processions houses illuminated and speeches made. there is quite a Union feeling in the city but there is a lot of the black boys around. but they have to keep pretty quiet I think the negro can fight very well it speaks well for there courage but I think I must look about closeing. but I must must above all things say that I do not want you to worry about me as I have been so long in the south that I have got climated and the hot weather does not affect me eny. give my best respects to all. we expect to get paid off soon it is now eight months since we last received pay. tell mother not to worry, as they are sending them home on furlough as soon as they are able to go

 

                                                            from your affect Son

                                                                        Reuben Haworth

 

Excuse the bad writing

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