May 31^st 1863

 

Dear Brother,

                        Yours of the 3^d of May came to hand some days ago, but I hav'nt had time to answer it until now; and even now I know of no chance to send a letter out. We do'nt get any mail only once in a while. We are now only about 10 miles from Richmond. And fighting is still going on. The troops are all very tired and worn down but I do not think that "Grant" intends to stop until we get the rebel Capitol. A very heavy battle came off here yesterday evening. The / rebels made three separate charges, but were each time repulsed with heavy loss. The 7^th Indiana was not engaged yesterday but we were so close that three of the Regiment was wounded. I do not know the exact loss of the Regiment since this campaign began but is something over two hundred. something near 230. this includes killed wounded and missing. I am happy to inform you that Henry & I are both in good health.

 

Well Sant, I saw a great curiosity this morning. I saw three negroes, each of which had seven toes on each foot, and seven fingers on each hand. 

 

The corn crop in this part looks very promising & had the armies not passed through here, there would have been a great amount of corn raised. We find barns full of tobacco & ice-houses full of ice & sometimes we find bacon, flour &c at the different farm houses. But it is all taken by our Army. I believe I have nothing more to write this time. The weather is very warm & the roads dusty, but we pay no attention to roads but go where we please, through wheat fields, corn fields or any place else.

 

            I understand you had a log-rolling the other night. I think it is / too bad to go home with a young lady and find a log rolled up against the gate to keep you out. But I hope you succeeded in getting the gate open.

 

            Please write soon and often & I will do the same.

 

Your Brother

Harry

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