Camp Sumter Near Spring Hill Arks

March 4^th 1864

 

Dear Pa

           I recd yours of 26^th ult a few days ago, by the hands of Mr Ringo. I was very glad indeed to hear from you. Mr Ringo only stayed a few moments. We are here all quiet for a few weeks at least, probably longer. We have a very pleasant encampment, and we are doing very well. The weather has been very cold, and coming upon us so unexpectedly, we suffered from it quite as much as we did during the winter. The snow was several inches deep on the 29^th. I was however provided with a good chimney, but unfortunately it was the day for mustering the troops and I was compelled to be out most of the day. I am afraid your corn will rot in the ground, if you have planted any. Dr Silverberg has been here for some time and I have talked with him a great deal about Texas. He has travelled over most of Northern Texas and has left his family in Kaufman Co. He thinks that the safest place. He does not like Hopkins thinks it too far north. He thinks Wood preferable or any of the counties south. He thinks Dallas a good county, but dislikes the population very much. They are principally Germans and Northern men. I think the counties south of Hopkins preferable, and as Mr Black expects to move the inducement to go there would be gone. I think you had better look at Wood and the counties adjacent, and I would try to get in as intelligent a neighbourhood as possible. I should like very much to be with you again but it will not be possible for some time to come. Jesse Clopton & Danl Welborn were here a few days ago. They are very much disgusted with / the state of affairs in Phillips County and would be glad to get out of the Country. Those living East of Big Creek have to haul corn from White river and they will be compelled to raise a crop this year or leave the Country. They have no stock to raise a crop with, and every person is trying to get some old horse or mule that the Federals will not take away. Jesse thinks Mrs Mooney is not dead, but he does not know. Says Mary went to St Louis last fall. He has married one of Mrs Swan's daughters and says that Steve's wife is well. She is at home and they will all come out when they can. We have had Northern papers of late dates. Our prospect still grows brighter. Their troubles are thickening and if we can hold out this spring the end will soon be seen. We have gained several decided successes in North Carolina & Virginia recently. The great design of the enemy is on Mobile. If we can counteract that without weakening our Army in Ga too much, they will be check mated.

 

I must tell you that I have a new hat, better than the one I left for you. Ma was very much troubled for fear I would not be able to get another. I would like to hear from you frequently to know how your crop is doing and all about your prospects. What have you done with Abe? Penn Dunn told me that Abe could be hired at $100 per month at the Jordan S[?] to make shoes for the Negroes. I think he would hire him. It would be better to keep him at home, but I would have him making some thing. Give my love to all

 

Yr affectionate son

Jno J Horner

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