May 23, 1863-            Has had and expects fights

Kentucky                                with Rebel General Morgan

 

On Picket Guard                                                     

Crab Orchard Road May 24^th 1863

 

            Dear Sister

                                    I will now write a few lines as I have nothing to take up my mind while sitting here at the Picket Post.

 

We are all well and hope this will find you all enjoying the same blessing. We still remain at Somerset but I think from appearances that there is a move on foot of some kind. I think that we cross the Cumberland river and clean out the rebels, at least attempt it. If they do not first attack us which they threaten but I do not think they will risk it, Although John Morgan sent word to the citizens on this side of the river that he should breakfast in Somerset of the 24^th tomorrow at least today or else in Heaven or Hell but I shall never believe he will in Somerset or Heaven but stands a good chance at the latter place. We are having extremely hot weather it makes the sweat pour off of one. / We have had but very little stormy weather since we have been in Ky. The health of the troop is good that is of the Union. We hear that they die on the opposite side at Monticello at the rate of 20 from a regt a day of Black Measles. hope it will not reach us.

 

I think we shall put up in this country as the men are all on ½ rations teams on ½ rations. they cannot get them along just enough to supply us over these rough roads. an order has come for the officers all to take shelter tents and the teams will carry no baggage for them, which will be a new thing for the officers of the 29^th I am glad to see it.

 

We have about given up the idea of going back to Paris. I received a letter from Walter who is with Col P—in Paris he wrote he was having a fine time that the citizens were all sorry the 29^th could not return as the 2^d MD is a hard set of boys. I received a letter from Joseph W Thompson a few days ago he was well at Hilton Head. 

 

There is no news at all to write so you must excuse this. I should not have writen to day but I thought you might think it was time you herd from me. I see by the papers that the Copperheads are getting to be very bold in Indiana & New York they all ought to have their necks streched Seymour to be one of the first ones. It makes me provoked to see them allowed to carry on as they at our homes while we are doing their our best. they are doing all they can to put us back and help the South. They will not receive much sympathy from Gen Burnside he stoped Volingdinghams mouth for him I received a letter from you a few days ago and mail comes more regular of late. Give my regards to the Briggs girls also to Andrew when you write of course not forgeting Uncles family. Seth is well & sends his respects to all When he has a chance to have more pictures taken he will do so & send you one. 

 

Everything looks flourishing about here corn, potatoes &c I see some Cinnamon roses in the yard in front if I do not forget it I will put one in this it now 12M I will close love to all this will pay you I guess for some of your smart letters my best wishes for the

welfare of you all I remain your

 

                                                            Aft Bro

                                                                        Samuel C. Wright

                                                                        Co E 29^th Mass Vols

                                                                        Christs Brigade Carters Div

                                    Gen B—D—

 

                                                Direct like the above

 

P.S.      Eighty four reffugees came inside our lines yesterday at this place to join our army from East Tenn they fled to escape the rebel draft.

Good news to day from Gen Grant to day

 

25^th all well no news fine day 5 AM

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