May 31st 1863
Dear Brother,
Yours of the 3d 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 7th 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