July 21^st 1863—Vicksburg—Miss—

 

Dear Theodore—

                        Now have we not licked the Rebs damned well for you, out in this western country. fought fine battles in the field, and God Knows how many at Vicksburg. It was a battle all the time, for we were never from under fire, and occasionally warm up into a hot fight. We have got Vicksburg and Port Hudson and Run Johnson for his dear life out of the State. Boats now go from the Missouri to the Gulf—Grand Gulf to fell into our hands after we took Port Gibson, it was a strong place, and the hammerd our fleet badly there. Our Division took possession, and is encamped inside of the Rebel works. Well The I have been in tight places, and but once had blood drawn, by lead or steel, aint I lucky—

 

            I think the war is nearly ended, if Meade give them hail Columbia. Rosecrans will do all he can. Nothing but Madness and pride can induce the secesh to hold out one thing is shure—Uncle Sam never looked brighter—

 

            I do not think that there will be much more fighting. Mobile may be made a standing ground of but if it is so and we send a large army then they are completely gone up there

 

            I have a heavy cough, that is sticking to me like a poor Relative. The weather is infernally hot, water bad, great / luxuries.

 

            Theodore I trouble you again to send a letter home. the old man says I dont write often enough. I suppose money is getting run out. I enclose some never let the cash get below low water mark—

 

            Now Theodore you are certainly an evasive cuss you will not tell me whether you will send me your carte de visite or not. I may be asking to much when I asked for M^rs Drake’s but not in asking yours

 

            Let me know if I am in debt any thing on the likeness of Bartons. I would not give it for anything. it is a real good likeness. If I had a likeness now of Wat Raleigh I would have nearly all the likenesses I would care about having—Poor Wat he was a nice young fellow and I often think how much I would like him to be with me.

 

            I hope M^rs Drake is enjoying good health, and little Miss Drake. give her a Kiss for U Smitzer

 

                                    Regards to all  Truly

                                                            Your friend

                                                                        Smitzer

 

I am thinking strongly about leaving the Army. I do not think much more heavy fighting will be done. All guerilla work I fought them cusses long enough in Mo. I hate crawling in the brush—

 

[margin] If you would wish to enclose any thing to Dublin I leave this letter open. Give the old man your directions all the time. I suppose he will forget it by this time. If you feel like sending your picture dont send it on until I write for it I would like to send you some Relic from Vicksburg in shape of some bullet or something else, but they would all be to heavy to send in letters

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