May 14 63

 

                                                                                                Camp Niagara Baton Rouge

Friend Rollin I now sit down to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope these few lines will find you the same. I received your kind letter last week and was glad to hear from you. it is a rainy day and I guess I cant improve a few minutes any better than to write to you. but I hardly know what to write about. we have very good times down here considering everything. if a person can only have their health that is the main point but I think I have seen my share of sickness over 3 months that I was not fit for duty but I am as well as before I / sick. but I suppose you would like to hear what they are a doing in this part of of the Southern world. they are a talking considerable of taking Port Hudson and other places along the river and coming home after it is done. the time I have set is within a year from the I left I dont know but I am sucked in a little but things look well now I think. the Army in Virginia is gaining victories every little while we got the news this morning in the New Orleans paper that Gen Hooker had captured Fredericksburg and took most all of Jacksons army and he lost one / arm I only wish it had been his head but he wont bother much more right away Gen Banks is to work at Port Hudson he works in the night for six nights back we could hear the cannons roar it is a strong place but I guess she will have to come to time before long our Generals have just woke up it seems and are going to work. but I suppose you get the news quicker than we do here one Brigade and some Cavalry went from here Tuesday up to port Hudson. the health of the troops is very good down here. the New york men are the healthiest / as a general thing. the worst disease is the fever we have lost four out of our Company since we came to this place but I have wrote all I can think of this Give my respects to all who may inquire. Write as soon as you get this. write all the news. this from

 

            John W Twichell

                        to

            Joseph R Algar

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