Morganza, La.

Oct. 9^th 1863.

 

My Dear Wife,

                        Since my last writing, our Reg. has rec'd two heavy mails, but neither of them favored me with a letter from you. The last letter (No. 14) I rec'd on the day of the Sterling Plantation disaster which was eleven days ago. It may have been, that No. 15 was on the unfortunate Robert Campbell that was burnt a few days ago.

 

I have heard nothing further from David and can not learn wheather the rebels intend to parole the prisoners or not. / A reconoitering party that went out day before yesterday, reports no enemay on the Aichlafya. We do not know where the rebels have gone, but it is probable that they have moved back to a more secure position, fearing that we might get reinforcements and retaliate for their impudence on the 29^th ult.

 

Gen. Herron has been removed from the command of the 2^d Division and Gen. Dana from the Potomac Army commands in his stead. We hope the new Gen. will not act upon the anti Napoleonic tactics of throwing small detatchments out to the front to be "gobbled up"

 

            By the last mail a letter / came here for Charley which Frank opened and perused. It was from Tom. He thinks that the soldiers down here study more about politics than puting down the rebellion. He also thinks that Charley is tinctured with Abolitionism and gives as a reason for his (Charley's) backsliding from the household faith, that he (Charley) has smelt a nigger. He expresses himself in very short terms toward Charley for intimating that he (Tom) is a Copperhead. Frank says that "he wishes he had not just written to Tom for he would like to have said a few words in reply to that Copperhead letter", refering to Tom's letter. / Charley told me while we were at New Orleans, that he intended to give Stone a lift certain, and Frank's will is good enough to do the same but he is not old enough. In fact there are but two Democrats in Co. K who intend to vote the "Copperhead ticket in Democratic clothing" If I am not badly mistaken, the votes cast in the army on next Tues. will show plainly to Mr Tuttle that all soldiers do not think true Democracy and Copperheadism are identical.

 

            Cooney still has the ague lightly; the other neighborhood boys that are here are all well. We have not heard from Charley but once since we left him and he was then no better.

 

                                                                                    Your affectionate husband,

                                                                                                                        Enos Reed

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