In the field July 3^d 1864

 

Dear Ina,

                        Your kind letter of June 23^rd came to hand this morning. I have just returned from meeting. am well I am real disappointed when I herd that our little relations were so unwell hope they will soon recover. Such trials must be a very great task to parents. Have we not been greatly blessed. it is our duty to feel greatful hope I do but not anough I fear If we had no trials we would naturaly become carless and to independent Man needs for his good chastizements and what do we feel mor sensitive than when our families feel the afflicting hand of God. Hope you and Jenney will not be required to be up so much nights so as to impare your health. Our Brigade ar nearly in the same position that we were one week ago although troops have been passing by at a considerable and have swung nearly east from where we ar which brings our (as an army) right near the R.R. our pickets last night herd the Rebel cars very plain. There is a report that we hold the Kennesaw Mountains which of course woud imbrace Marietta but I think it is not reliable. We can scarcely hear anything and all we know is just what passes under our immediate observation. yesterday morning at about 2 Oclock cannon was opened with its terific vibrations to our left a few miles report is that it was only a blind while our troops were passing to our right. we ar looking for something to be done soon Last monday says official shot we lost nearly 3000 men at the Kennesaw Mountain in making an unsuccessful charge on Johnsons position. that was the time that I referred to there being a loss in killed of 800. It was / extremely still all night and scarcely a cannon shot today until this moment. a few guns (cannon) ar booming on our right perhaps our right ar trying to close in on the R.R. or Johnson trying to crowd us back. it is generaly believed that both of our flanks rest on the river which I think forms a line something like the one I have drawn I do not know how for our lines are from                  [diagram showing

the R.R. on the east or wheather we hold the mountains,                  Marietta, river, 112,

but we believe that Johnson is being hemed midling                         Atlanta]

well. Grants and Shermans moves ar kept cloce. Walter is on the skermish line. I presume there has not been a shot fired there today. Not more than 5 minuts ago troops commenced to pass. they belong to the A.C. perhaps we ar fortified in the center and now sending a large force near the river During the past week we have lost 7 trains of army supplies by being destroyed by the rebels north of here. I drew a little soap yesterday. I could take my share in my mouth I found a good towl so you see I am all right. Have stew apples fresh beef coffee sugar and crackers for my dinner. wish you could get my dinner today. If many of the bees become vary weak by loosing their queen, or the queen being unproductive, they will show it by decressing very much. if you have or get any you can drive the bees out with smoke then get the hive containing the comb on another hive as a surplus. I presume, cotton seed will grow after becoming old but I sent you some good ones a few days ago. The soldiers do not think much of Fremont we consider him unprofitable and dead hope some one will give him a decent interment. All of Co A ar reasonably well. I close until night. It is warm Nearly 4 Oclock the troops have been constantly passing. they state that Johnson vacated the mountains last night and all of our force east of the R.R. ar now marching to our right with from 10 to 13 days rations Johnson is falling back you must guess what is going to be done as I am obliged to do so we have just received orders to be ready to march. just drew 2½ days rations. the mail may leave tonight

 

                                    I am yours affectionately

                                                            William

 

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Hiram Carroll just came to my tent and shook hands with me he is well I enclose a few sensitive plants seeds

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