Memphis Tennessee

                                                                                                                        May 6^th 1863

 

            Dear Mother

                                    Your very welcome letter was received containing a few lines from Kate and Phebe. I had been looking for it some time and wondering why you did not write.

 

            I see that Kate has got home again after so long an absence. it must seeme very good to her to see all of her old friends once more. I should just like to step in some day and spend the afternoon with you all, but there is no use of wishing for impossibilities. if I ever am so lucky as to come out of this war all right you may expect a visit from me forthwith. Affairs have looked rather dark and gloomy for a long time but this morning we are in the receipt of glorious news, Old Jo Hooker is doing things up brown in the East and Grant is giving the Rebs fits at Vicksburg. I expect that before this reaches you Vicksburg will have been taken, and I suspect that it is already. the rebellion will be effectually crushed with the fall of Richmond and Vicksburg, and they are / in a mighty hard row of stumps I tell you. I for one dont care how soon the thing is wound up, the sooner the better, if only done honorably.

 

            I am enjoying good health as good I think as before I was sick. our Reg^mt is quite healthy the is a few cases of fever in the hospital and two of small pox in the pest tent. I have been exposed to the smallpox two or three times but have not taken it though I should not like to try the experiment very often for fear I might.

 

            I rec^d a letter from Almond a few days since they were all well as usual there. Tell Kate that I was aware that Fanny D. had experienced religion. I guess she would think so if she saw some of her letters that I get. she talks to me like a Sister I tell you. I take it all in good part though, for I know she means it for the best. I dont know Mother but I shall get transferred into the Cavalry if I do I will let you know. there is hardly excitement enough in this kind of life for me but I must close for this time. you will have to excuse this letter as I have written in a great hurry give my love to Father and all the friends write soon & believe

 

                                    Your afect son

                                                            Frank M Guernsey

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