Vicksburg.

July 26/61

 

Dear Parents and Brothers,

            Again after waiting for a long time I will try to write you a few lines. the reason why I did not write sooner is, I was sick, and feel pretty weak now yet. I am on the Hospital Boat, came on here the 2^d of July. I had the Fever of some kind or other, the Dysentery, and a heavy cold on my Chest all at the same time but I thought I would stop the Fever and cold before it went too far, so the evening before I left the Autocrat I put a mustard plaster on each of my feet, and one large one on my Chest, and / got one of the boys to make me nearly three pints of strong peppermint tea. I laid down and covered up warm and drank the tea as hot and as fast as I could, having a hard Fever at the time. in a short time though I broke out in a sweat, and I dont beleive I stopped sweating for 48 hours, but that was about the last of the Fever and cold on my Chest. I felt a little of them after I came on this Boat, but they were soon cured then. there is nothing ailing me now excepting that I am very weak. the Chief Surgeon thinks I deserve a discharge on the 4^th of July we run to the town of Vicksburg, thats the way we spent the 4^th here, / but i did'nt feel quite well enough just then to enjoy the fun much. we are now lying right opposite the town, that is us in the Hospital. The rest of the Boats have gone up to Helena to transport some troops up there. I scarcely know what more to write. I rec^d yours of June 28^th , July the 6^th, and that one of Jacob. I am sorry to hear that Johnny was sick, he had better learn to make his letters perfect first in writing before he commences writing with figures. Penmanship can be spoiled very easily, and I would like to see Cyrus try a little more. I want both to go at it and write a letter to me. if any one that I write to asks why I dont write, tell them I will do so as soon as I get / a little stronger. it tires me some to write this. I should hate to see you sell the old Trout Creek farm. I have got something for you, if I could only have some chance of sending it to you. perhaps I will have the good luck of taking it to you myself. do not look for me till you see me coming. I would like to write much more, but I must close for the present,

from your affectionate Son,

                                                                                    Wm O. Albright.

 

Write soon.

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