Head Qrs 36^th Ills Vols

In the City of New Orleans La. July 19^th/65

 

Dear Mother

                                                                                                            I was glad to receive your interesting letter a few days ago but as we have been moving around some for a few days past I had to delay answering untill the present time. I am happy to say that our prospects for a trip to Texas are now very slim. The past few days has changed the whole thing for us and instead of going to Texas our Reg^t has been selected by Gen Sheridan for duty at his Head Quarters. So now we are established in comfortable quarters in the city and the rest of the 4 Corps are in or on their way to Texas. The Regiment seems well pleased / with the prospect ahead. For a few days before the Regt was detached from the Division I was placed in charge of the Division Hospital and expected to take care of it around to Texas but by hard work I got a permit to join my command. I hope that we will be permitted to stay here the rest of our time of service. I am confident that we will not save as much money but the time will seem shorter and we will have all the enjoyments of a city life which will help to pass away the monotony of a soldiering life. The men are drawing new clothing and intend to put on style generally which is something new for them.

 

            I have been quite busy for two or three days trying to get a new supply of medicine, Instruments &c for the use of the Regt and have the promise that they will be here today.

 

            There is considerable sickness in the Regt now and think it will continue for a month or two through the sickly season. I think there is no prospect of / a war with Mexico now and I can see no reason for keeping in the service the large force we have now and I should not be surprised if they mustered the most of us out ere long. I hope they will not only on our account but for the good of the Country for it seems as if the time had come for retrenchment and not to run the nation deeper in debt to keep up a large standing army. I dont know what you folks at home think about the administration but aside from the policy of keeping so large standing army I think it has done well. I think the way the President looks at the Negro suffrage question is just right and I am of the opinion that the Army will sustain him when they come home to vote.

 

            There is a great probability of of a division of the Union question Party on that question and I think the Radicals will be in the minority.

 

            I dont know of any thing more to write only it is very hot weather here and it is about as much as any man can do to keep cool. Write often

 

I send Love to all.                                                       From your Affc Son

                                                                                                            J A Hatch /

 

PS Direct to 36^th Reg^t Ills Vols Head Qrs Military Division of the Gulf

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