Camp near Camden Arks

July 15^th 1864

 

My dear Sister

                                    I received yesterday a letter from Aunt Henrietta, and although it is a month older than those I sent you yet I enclose it herewith. I wrote to her a few days ago, also to W P Johnson and to Rea. I found a good opportunity to send them across the river. We have glorious news from Va and Ga, but I presume you hear it almost as soon as we do, sooner than you can get it by letter from here. Grant has been completely defeated and compelled to fall back. Sherman defeated and falling back also. Gold gone up to fabulous prices. We could ask for nothing more unless it were the news that peace had been made. Peace cannot be far distant. How it will come I cannot conjecture, yet I feel it must come with this year. Nothing can revive their drooping spirits or create any enthusiasm among their people, unless it were an invasion of their soil by our troops. That might do it and I hope it will not be attempted at this time by our Commanders I know nothing in regard to affairs in our own state. We are here and the enemy are on Arks and White rivers. I think we will have more fighting in this Department although the war should end with this year. The Federals will not abandon this state without a battle. I think our cavalry is now seriously interfering / with their line of communications. Our troops have stopped the nagivation of Arks river and Genl Shelby for some time blockaded White river, though according to latest rumors he had been compelled to fall back from Clarendon and go up into the neighbourhood of Augusta. We are living very poorly now, not even having good beef. Vegatables cannot be obtained on any terms. The people have nothing to sell. To day I purchased some green apples, but could not for any price obtain green corn. I wish I could be with you for the next two months. I think water melons will soon be ripe and from the prospect when I was in Texas you ought to have them in abundance. I will consider myself fortunate if I taste one this year. I rode out four miles from camp a few days ago and examined every garden on the route. I did not find a tomatto growing or anything except collards.

 

Lewis was taken sick to day and has now a high fever, but I think it is nothing more serious than a chill. He was washing in the sun. Tell the children that Billy run a stick in his foot a few days ago and now has to walk on three legs. I fear it will be a long time before he is fit for service.

 

It has been nearly one month since I received a letter from any of you. I think you might write a little oftener. It does not take much time. Tell the children that I wrote them a long letter about a week ago and I will soon expect an answer to it. That they must study their books even if it is hot and that I expect to see them greatly improved and much grown when I next come to see them. Give my love to all and write often.

 

Yr affectionate brother

Jo.

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