Camp in Union County near Lisbon Arks

June 4^th 1864

 

Dear Pa

                        I arrived here a week since, much gratified to find that the Command had returned to Arks. We are here resting and recruiting, which is now very necessary. It is very difficult to form any opinion as to where we will move but I think it will be Northward. Everything is very quiet now, all anxious to hear from Virginia and Georgia. Grant is again moving, having doubtless been heavily reinforced, since his recent defeat. Northern papers admit they lost 65,000 men. Our loss 26 000. Johnston is falling back, but it is believed, he will soon be reinforced by Polk and can then drive Sherman. Everything is staked on the contest in Va and I think before it closes nearly all the forces in both Govt^s will be brought into action there. It is believed the Federals are evacuating Little Rock, most of the forces being at Devall's Bluff. Genl Marmaduke has bockaded the Miss river near Gaines' Landing. He has captured and destroyed five transports and disabled one gun boat. I learned yesterday that no boat had been able to pass since he went to the river now about ten days. We may move out there to support him soon, as the enemy will certainly attempt to dislodge him. 

 

Fagan, Churchill, Parsons & Marmaduke have all been promoted to Major Genls, ranking in the order in which I have named them. Two from Arks & two from Mo. two from Cavalry & two from infantry. I suppose Genl Smith intended to prevent any jealousy. I had to sleep in the woods the first night after leaving Douglassville, as no one would condescend to let me stay in their house. I found the banks of Red River very comfortable, and it enabled me to move very early next morning. I did not see Mr Johnson as he lived on the west side of the river and I had passed his house some distance before I could ascertain where he did live. I would not then go back. It was not very convenient crossing the river.

 

We have had one delightful rain this week, which I hope has extended to Texas. It was much needed here. Corn does not look as well here as it did in Texas. It suffered for work when the enemy were in Camden. This rain will however help it very much. Give my love to all. I hope Selina has entirely recovered by this time. Write as often as you can.

 

Yr affectionate son

Jno J Horner

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