Youngs Point,

June 23/63.

 

Dear Parents and Brothers,

            It is some time now since I rec^d a letter from you. I wrote one to you since I rec^d the last one, but not having anything to do, and thinking perhaps you had not rec^d my last one, and might feel anxious about me, I thought I would write again, so here goes. I am once more able for duty, and in some ways I like shouldering the musket better than beating the drum or playing the whistle. it seems more like soldiering. we are now within about 4 miles of Vicksburg, and two of our nearest morters. the Rebs still stick to Vicksburg like / good fellows. no doubt they think it will be the last stick to it they are making. I was out on picket last Saturday night. I was right across the River from their lower Water Battery, right at the water's edge, but took it Indian style, thinking behind a tree would be the safest place. our boys still keep shelling them. it seems almost impossible for the Rebs to hold out much longer, but let them stick to it as long as they please. I think they will find we can stick to it as long as they, and a little longer too. a young man received a letter from his Father today, that lives in Bennville, Jennings Co, Ind, stating that the Copperheads there are closely / imitating their brother reptiles that creep instead of walk, that being all the difference between them. they are beginning to bite. a short time ago they shot a young lady in Vernon, 8 miles from Bennville, for hauling down a secesh flag. three of the scoundrels are now lodged in jail. I would like to draw a bead across my old musket at them a little. if they begin such tricks there at home, let me know, and I wont be far off, for a short time at least. Well, there is nothing going on here that I think would be interesting to you, so I have not much to write. when you write I want you to tell me all the news, for it is seldom that we hear any news down here. /

 

Confidential

1^st, Keep the method of writing with figures secret. I have reasons for it.

 

next, if you should need any money soon, let me know. if you do not, why I will try and get some books, perhaps 15 or 20 dollars worth, and as I have some chance here, I will try and give myself at least a common education. If I ever get out of the army it may be of some use to me. if not, it will do me no harm, but I thought I would ask your advice opinion first. by getting books I can pass away my leisure moments very pleasantly and profitably, I think. I will, by and by, give you a sample of my drawing with the pen, which I have picked up when I had time or was unable to do any thing else. I must close for the presant. I shall enclose this letter in a secesh envelope, captured at Austin, Miss. write soon, from your affectionate Son,

                                                Wm O Albright.

 

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Enclosed you will find a few Confederate PO stamps, captured at Austin.

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