Dec 19^th, 1864. Near Richmond Va

My Dear Cousin Jimy

 

            I have written to you twice since I left home but as a good opportunity offers itself to send a letter directly to you by Green. I have failed to get a furlough on Wingfield yet but hope to do so in two or three months. Since Sherman has got so deep into Ga the General Order granting a furlough on a recruit has been suspended. In a few weeks the order may be renewed. Until then I will make no effort to get home. I dont feel / atall certain about getting home again this winter. I am afraid Gen Beauregard will suffer the Yankees to get Sav. I dont feel as sanguine about the capture of Sherman as I did one month ago. On the contrary I fear the people of Ga will suffer more from the Yankees than they have ever done before. But God grant we may yet ruin the Yankee army. Everything is quiet on our lines. Yesterday Grant fired a number of heavy guns as a salute for Thomas' victory I am afraid Hood has been badly whiped. It is a dark day for / our Confederacy if it is so. The army of Gen Lee is still hopefull but if Sherman is allowed to do as he pleases & Hood badly whiped by Thomas we are certainly in a bad fix. We are having very bad weather now and to day I have to go on Picket. It is awfully unpleasant but I guess I can stand it.

 

If have a chance to send to Mayfield or any depot soon I wish you would send me 25 or 30 lbs of flour and three or four gallons of syrup. Rations are very scarce and we could not buy even if we had money. Potatoes are worth 2 dollars apiece now & corn meal / is worth $2 per quart & every thing else in proportion. Direct the box to me in Richmond Army Relief & Hospital Association. E Saulsbury. I was in hopes that I could get home by Christmas when I left but as I said before I cant come it. Give my love to Cousin Lizzie & Moses. Samy is well. I saw him ten days ago. no news of importance here. Write soon to your aff Cousin

Saml. P. Harris

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