Author: Lucius Carhart

(Postmarked Memphis, Tenn. Aug 7. To Mr. Isaac Carhart, Yanktown, Delaware Co., Ohio)

Vicksburg, Miss. July 26 Dear Friends: This morning finds me in camp near Vicksburg City on the bank of the River. it has been some time since I wrote on acount of not having a chance. we have been out trying to catch Old Johnson but did not suceed. no doubt you have heard of the surrender of Vicksburg.. it surrendered the fourth day of July.. I intended to write ameadetly after the Surrender but we were ordered to march the morning of the fifth so I had no chance. We marched in the direction of Jackson, Miss. We reached there & comenced to canonade them. we formed a line of Battle and marched up within about one mile of their fortifications and comenced to build brest works. We kept up skirmishing and canonading untill the 17th when Old Johnson Skedadled the Rebs made several charges but with little affect. Our division had no regular engagement. Our Cavelry force chased old Johnson some distance. Took considerable many Prisoners.. our Regt was ordered to move the 19th we went about 120 miles south of Jackson and tore up 2 miles of railroad track. We then marched back to the Brigade and started for Vicksburg where we are now camped. I think the Rebs are pretty well cleaned out in this part of the County.. the forth of July there was thirty two thousand five hundred & sixteen Rebs surrendered at Vicksburg and have been Paroled. the 7th of July Port Hudson surrendered with five thousand Rebs. they have also been paroled. the 17th of July Old Johnson skedadled from Jackson. we have scattered his army so I guess he will not get them together again very soon.. the fortifications at Jackson are much stronger than at Vicksburg. but it is not fortified in the rear of the city. We were about to come in on his rear so he thought he would be getting out of there. we distroyed the place so it will be of no more acount. I think there will be no force left there.. there is some as nice country where we marched through as I ever saw.. but we defaced it considerable.. we had apples, peaches, tomatoes & green corn by the holesale. there is not enough left where we had been to keep a Reb very long. I think there will be a light harvest in Miss. this year. we had a pretty hard march it was so warm and dusty.. the timber where we went was mostly Oak & Pine. the first time I ever was in a Pine country.. the farms are rather larger than in Ohio. you will see some trees thousands acres in one cleared place and then two or three thousand acres of timber in one plantation. the country is roling.. they tell me it is very much like Iowa. the country around Vicksburg is very Broken.. the City of Vicksburg is no very great sight. it is not as large and not near as nice as Delaware. Jackson is still smaller.. the Rebs at Vicks… were pretty hungry when they came out.. the most of them said they were tired of the war and wanted to go home. good many of them said they wont never fight any more. they said they were going to let the oficers fight out the rest. I understand that Old Morgan is playing smash up with you. I hope he will kill or laiy off all them devilish Copperheads. I don’t think the Union men are very spunks or else there are not a great many of them.. if reports are true.. I understand that Old Bill Chandeler put two Secesh flags on his horses heads and went to the Copperhead piknick on the (fourth of July??) for this he ought to be shot. if you had some of our Boys up there some of them low lived contemptable devils would get hung up to the first tree they come to. they are so mean they arent fit to be in the Rebel Army.. the rebs hate them nearly as bad as the Union does. I received while at Jackson a letter from Almeda dated June forth which I answered.. while out below Jackson taring up railroad I got one dated June 28th and to day I got one dated June 15th. I was very much pleased to get them. they were very interesting me.. You spoke about Emeline N. being with you. I should like to have been with you.. Give my best respects to Emeline and Aunt Ophelia.. tell them I will write if I have a chance.. tell Ophelia & Amelia that William & Charley Smith are well. I want you if you can without much trouble to get me up a pair of pants with lining in them. I want cotten pants.. my woolen pants are not the kind. they keep to many (what we call) gray Backs about them. get something dark colered or blue.. Some cheap that will ware well.. Any kind of lining will do.. if you get them up and have a chance to send them. send my black wool that if it is not to much trouble. I will make it all right. the march to Jackson was pretty hard on my Clothes. I guess I will stop for this time. Write soon.. give my best respects to all the friends.. direct to Co. G. 96th Regt O.V.I. 1st Brigade, 10th Division, 13th Army Corps Army of the Miss..

(No signature. Written by Lucius Carhart to Mr. Isaac Carhart, Yanktown, Delaware Co., Ohio).

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Jackson, Miss. July 15th 1863 Dear Friends:

It has been some time since I have written.. and the cause of it is because I have had no chance. I suppose you have heard by this time of the surrender of Vicksburg.. the Seige of Vicksburg comenced the 18(?)the day of May.. the 3rd day of July the Rebs sent out a Flag of Truse and wanted a Conditional surrender.. Gen Grants terms were unconditional.. they came out first in the morning. at Evening they came out again and consulted the matter.. Gen Grant gave them until 10 ‘clock the next morning to surrender.. if they would not he would open on them again.. but the fourth day of July morning between 9 and 10 oclock the white Flag was hoisted on every Fort. I tell you it was a great old fourth.. the cause of the surrender was because they run out of provision.. they lived on mule flesh for some time but found it did not pay.. they had plenty of everything else but something to Eat.. Vicksburg surrendered with 28,000 troops.. also Port Hudson has surrendered with 5,000 troops.. I intended to write ameadetly after the surrender but we were so gay the fourth I could not write. and that night we were ordered to be ready to march the next morning.. we marched to Jackson, Miss.. a distence of 40 miles.. our cavelry went ahead and had some schermishes with the rebs and they retreated back as far as Jackson and there made a stand. our lines are within about one mile of their fortifications. we are fortifying and working round them and I think we will soon have them in the same fix they were at Vicksburg.. their force is reported to be 30,000.. we left our tents napsacks and everything in them except our rubber Blankets.. so I had no paper to write on this afternoon. I raised a sheet of paper and an envelope. so I thought I would write a few lines.. but in an awful hurry and very poorly written. I received a letter from Almeda this morning (with much plasure) dated June 30 the first I have had for some time.. She said that Cousin Emeline Newcomb was making you a visit.. I should like to be with you. I sind my rest respects.. the male is about to go out and they are hurrying me and I shall have to stop.. my health is very good. write soon. good by Lu Carhart

Direct as before.

(Written in pencil on piece of ledger paper)

June 6 /63 Camped in the rear of Vicksburg part of the time in the Rifle Pits Dear friends.

Once again I try to pencil a few lines.. it has been some time since I have written. but not because I have not wanted to but because I have not had a very favorable chance. we left Perkins Plantation the 28th of May.. and got to the Brigade the 31st. I suppose you would like to know how things are situated about this time. I write you about how our armey got at the Rebs.. how they went down to grand Gulf and took them in a way they were not looking.. I cannot discribe the situation of the Country any more than I have heard it told to me. I have not seen it.. but you can see about how it is by looking at the map.. as I understand it Grand Gulf lies just below where Black River goes into the Miss. and the head of Black River is some whare near Yazoo City.. and it takes a Circle round about 30 miles to the rear of Vicksburg. there is a large rail road Bridge acrost Black River on the Railroad that runs from Vicksburg to Jackson. Grant whiped the Rebs at Grand Gulf and they retreated back to the Railroad Bridge and made a stand there. Grant came up and sent part of his armey to Jackson and routed the Rebs there and burned the City.. they then came back to the Bridge and comenced going for the Rebs there.. the Rebs came out from Vicksburg with reenforsements. they brought out 70 (seventy) pieces of artilery and they got back to Vicksburg with three. they had a pretty hard fight at the Bridge. the Rebs did their best there. they new if they were whipped there they were about gone up.. but General Grant just went for them and they had to skedadle back to their strong fortifications. the Rebs have 12 (twelve) large Forts with a wall of 15 feet high round the. they are just in the rear of Vicksburg City and we have them completely surrounded we have a line from the Miss River above to the Miss River below Vicksburg and the Guns and morter Boats on the River. we have got two rows of Rifle Pits around the forts one is within about one hundred yards of the fort. and our sharp shooters ly in them and if a man shows himself from the forts he is shot.. the sharp shooters keep the Rebs from working their artilery. we have been here one week. and they have not fired but two big guns.. they fired a few rounds and the 17th Ohio Battery dismounted them. they did not hurt a man.. about five hundred yards from the forts is another Rifle Pit and two rows of Artilery. we have to ly in the rifle pits every other night and be ready in case they should breakout.. I have not been in any fight here yet and do not expect to unless they should break out. and then I do not expect much of one. for we are well fixed for them.. about one week ago the Rebs oferd to surrender the place if Gen Grant would let them March out. Gen told them it was not the place he wanted it was the men he was after. Since then they have ofered to give up (continued on a piece of writing paper) all but three men. Gen told them he wanted all or none they have a good many women & children in Vicksburg.. Gen Grant oferd them a chance to sent them out when we first surrounded them but they would not do it.. since they have tried to sent them out. and the Gen told them if they would send sixty days rations with them they could come out.. but they have not sent them out.. our men are playing away upon them with their artilery morter boats & sharp shooters day and night, they are tareing them to peices while we scarcely loos a man. Then Grant told us to keep cool he said we were nothing but Guarding Prisoners. Gen Pembleton is commanding the Rebs at Vicksburg.. Since I came here I have received two letters one dated May 12th the other the 22nd. You said you had got the money and coat that I sent.. Good for that. so much so good. while I was at Perkins Plantation I sent a Book home by male. the title was Language of Flowers. Just mention it if you get it. it was one that one that one of our boys got when out on a scout at an old Planters house.. I heard the other day of the death of Joseph Gregg. he is the first one that had died from our mess. I shall have to stop. I could write much more about the affars, but have not time. I have written to much all ready. My health is good, the boys are well.. give my best respects to the yong folks.. tell Adelade John is well. no more at present. write soon Good by Lu Carhart (Across top of first page) I have seen Charley and Chauncey Smith since I came up here there were in the fights.. all so Philander They were well with the exceptions of their wounds Chauncey was wounded in the hand slightly.. Philander was hit just below the brest but did not hurt him much. Charlie is all right. June 16th 63 Camped in the rear of Vicksburg

Dear Friends: This is a very warm day. we are camped in a hollow about 800 yards from a Rebel Fort.. the Country here is very Rough.. deep hollows & high Ridges. It is not as healthy here as it was in Louisiana. There are good many having the Chills & Feaver.. nothing dangerous.. I have had 2 or 3 Chills.. but have got rid of them now. We have not taken Vicksburg yet.. things are about the same they were two weeks ago but the Rebs cannot stand it allways.. They have got to give up some time.. for they are completley surrounded.. our men keep hectering them all the time.. by shelling them.. they scarcely get a chance to shoot a Gun (that is a big Gun) the operations here seem to stur the hole armey.. both Northern & Southern. it is reported that Gen Johnson is gethering a force and going to atact us in the Rear.. but I think he will fail to accomplish anthing.. for we have a larg force to protect us in that direction.. our men are fortifying all the time. I wish you could see how we are situated here. I cannot discribe it as it is fixed.. the Rebel forts are in the shape of a horseshoe open to the rear.. rite to the rear of these forts is another fort that comands the first one.. so if our men make a charge and take the first forts the Rebs will fall Back to their other forts.. and they will be of no use to us.. to take from them… they have got it fixed up about right.. but I am afraid they will have to give it all up.. I have just been into the Rifle pit where I could see the 17th Battery fire into the fort.. the Rebs tried to fire one of their Guns this afternoon and the 17th Battery just Pluged the shell rit into the port holes made the…… fly……. the Rebs could not fire a shot. there are some of the Rebs that have come over to our lines.. they Report that our shells kill & wound about one hundred a day.. and they kill and wound scarcely any of our men.. there is no one hurt of our Regt yet by the Rebs.. since we have been here.. they had some pretty hard fighting Back at Port Gibson, Champion Hill & Black River Bridge.. but since they have been here we have lost very few. I got a letter from you the other night dated May 31st. You said crops looked well. there is not much down here to look.. when we left Perkins Plantation 2 weeks ago corn was about as high as a mans head. about 5 feet. times are rather hard. we do not draw full rations.. we have to by considerable and things are very high.. Chees 50 cts pr lbs.. butter 50 cts lb.. Eggs 50 cts pr dozen.. five cts loafs Bread 20 cts penny cakes two for 5 cts. dried apples 20 cts lbs. it costs money to live. while we were at Perkins Plantation we lived first rate. the Dewberries growed there by the Bushel.. we gathered them and we drew Flour.. and we made pied by the holesale.. but since we come up here we have to stay in this hollow and have no chance to gether anything.. You wanted to know if I thought it was safe to express some butter. There is no ofice here that I can get to very handy. and I guess it would be of no use to try to send any. (No signature. Is there another page?)

(Lu’s usual fine handwriting deteriorates in this letter, obviously written under great stress.)

Perkins Plantation.. May 2, eighteen sixty three.

Friends at home,

I seat my self on a Cracker Box.. this Pleasant afternoon to pen a few lines.. My health is good..we have very pleasant weather. rather warm.. there has been but very little Canonading to day as we have hears.. we heard this morning that our men were doing finely.. yesterday there was some heavy fireing in the direction of Vicksburg.. and we understood Sherman had atackted the Rebs up there. if our men are succssful I think Vicksburg Grand Gulf & Port Hudson will fall about the same time. Troops are passing here most all the time and going down to take a part in the engagement.. there is any amount of fronts down here. Grand Gulf is just below where Black River comes into the Mississppi.. and our Gunboats have run up the Black River and burned the railroad Bridge.. and stoped the communicationtion between Vicksburg & Port Hudson.. things seems to work favorable for our side at present.. I guess the 96th will not have any hand in this fight.. the 60th & 96 Regts are left here to guard the landing, the teems & comisstores. You spoke about the mans spring drying up in Alabama (in your last letter) it is to much like campnews we heard about before your wrote it but did not put any confidence in it.. but I think the Rebels will have to come under after while.. I am glad to hear how the election went. I think that will help the union cause a great deal.. I guess the rebs will thinks the Yankey are getting pretty sharp down here. they will think they are going to play some Yankey trick on them. there has a number of our transports run the Blockade before Vicksburg..there was 6 went through one nigh one was sunk.. they Packed cotton Bails round the Boilers & pilute house and then they would start (they would take a dark night for it) and they would go down as close as they could and not be heard and shut of steam and let the Boat float down they would get half way past some times before the Rebs would find it out. the rebs would then comence fireing and our men would put on all the steam and run through.. some of the Boats are pretty badly torn up but they are of great use to us down here.. I beleave there has been no one killed by Rebel shots in the opporation but there has been some drownded they (the rebs) sunk two of our Boats and there was some drownded on them.. You wanted to know if we had tents to sleep in. When we were at the Bend we had five tents to a company besides the Capt. tent. one mess in a tent. there was seven in our mess and we got Boards and made bunks (sort of lounges) and had as nice as we could ask for under the circumstances, we lived very well while we were there. we had money and when we did not draw enough we could by it there was plenty of suttlers.. but since we left there we have not fared so well.. we do not draw so much for they cannot get it down here. there are no suttlers to by of down here. we have Pork (we call it sowbelley) and hard crackers and coffee.. when we left the Bend we took only two tents to the Company with us the others we put on the boat and they run the Blockade and we have now got them again.. you wanted know if I kept my rubber Blanket yet. i do.. it is the best friend I have got.. I have a chance to draw all the clothing I want and more to.. there is no corn planded on this Plantation there was some on the Homes Plantation when we there (about the 20th of Apr) it was then abvout knee high.. the negroes said is was very late. they did not expect to raise much.. you spoke about the gloves I sent by Flagg.. I sent one pair of socks. the ones you knit for me when I was at camp Delaware.. one pair of mittens the ones Grandma gave me. one pair of Buckskin Gloves roled up in one bunch. May 5th I have not had a chance to send my letter untill now. last night there was 430 prisoners came up from Grand Gulf our men routed the Rebs and made them skedadle.

(Upside down across top of page) took good many Prisoners.. they say there will be more of them up here today.. Our army is in hot pursuit running them in the direction of Jackson, Miss.

(Upside down at top of first page) I have not larned the loss of life on either yet.. no more at present write soon L. A. Carhart.

Co. E of our Regt went to Girard then to Millikins Bend. I suppose they will be sent to some northern Camp. I have not heard from our men since they left the Gulf after the Rebs

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Perkins Plantation.. May 2, eighteen sixty three. Friends at home,

I seat my self on a Cracker Box.. this Pleasant afternoon to pen a few lines.. My health is good..we have very pleasant weather. rather warm.. there has been but very little Canonading to day as we have heard.. we heard this morning that our men were doing finely.. yesterday there was some heavy fireing in the direction of Vicksburg.. and we understood Sherman had atackted the Rebs up there. if our men are successful I think Vicksburg Grand Gulf & Port Hudson will fall about the same time. Troops are passing here most all the time and going down to take a part in the engagement.. there is any amount of fronts down here. Grand Gulf is just below where Black River comes into the Mississippi.. and our Gunboats have run up the Black River and burned the railroad Bridge.. and stoped the communication between Vicksburg & Port Hudson.. things seems to work favorable for our side at present.. I guess the 96th will not have any hand in this fight.. the 60th & 96 Regts are left here to guard the landing, the teems & comis stores. You spoke about the mans spring drying up in Alabama (in your last letter) it is to much like camp news we heard about before you wrote it but did not put any confidence in it.. but I think the Rebels will have to come under after while.. I am glad to hear how the election went. I think that will help the union cause a great deal.. I guess the rebs will thinks the Yankey are getting pretty sharp down here. they will think they are going to play some Yankey trick on them. there has a number of our transports run the Blockade before Vicksburg..there was 6 went through one night one was sunk.. they Packed cotton Bails round the Boilers & pilute house and then they would start (they would take a dark night for it) and they would go down as close as they could and not be heard and shut of steam and let the Boat float down they would get half way past some times before the Rebs would find it out. the rebs would then comence fireing and our men would put on all the steam and run through.. some of the Boats are pretty badly torn up but they are of great use to us down here.. I beleave there has been no one killed by Rebel shots in the opporation but there has been some drownded they (the rebs) sunk two of our Boats and there was some drownded on them.. You wanted to know if we had tents to sleep in. When we were at the Bend we had five tents to a company besides the Capt. tent. one mess in a tent. there was seven in our mess and we got Boards and made bunks (sort of lounges) and had as nice as we could ask for under the circumstances, we lived very well while we were there. we had money and when we did not draw enough we could by it there was plenty of suttlers.. but since we left there we have not fared so well.. we do not draw so much for they cannot get it down here. there are no suttlers to by of down here. we have Pork (we call it sowbelley) and hard crackers and coffee.. when we left the Bend we took only two tents to the Company with us the others we put on the boat and they run the Blockade and we have now got them again.. you wanted know if I kept my rubber Blanket yet. i do.. it is the best friend I have got.. I have a chance to draw all the clothing I want and more to.. there is no corn planted on this Plantation there was some on the Homes Plantation when we there (about the 20th of Apr) it was then about knee high.. the negroes said is was very late. they did not expect to raise much.. you spoke about the gloves I sent by Flagg.. I sent one pair of socks. the ones you knit for me when I was at camp Delaware.. one pair of mittens the ones Grandma gave me. one pair of Buckskin Gloves roled up in one bunch.

May 5th I have not had a chance to send my letter untill now. last night there was 430 prisoners came up from Grand Gulf our men routed the Rebs and made them skedadle.

(Upside down across top of page) took good many Prisoners.. they say there will be more of them up here today.. Our army is in hot pursuit running them in the direction of Jackson, Miss.

(Upside down at top of first page) I have not larned the loss of life on either yet.. no more at present write soon L. A. Carhart.

Co. E of our Regt went to Girard then to Millikins Bend. I suppose they will be sent to some northern Camp. I have not heard from our men since they left the Gulf after the Rebs

Envelope postmarked May 5. (5 letters in it. city?, Tex. Soldiers Letter, 96th Regt OVI S. A. Stark, Adjt.

Perkins Plantation April 29, 63..

Dear Friends

as I have a Chance to send a few lines to you I embrace the opportunity gladly.. first I am well. which is a great blessing to me. I shall have to be brief about my writing for the mail goes out in a few moments. I got your letter dated april 12 & 15th was glad to hear from you. and very glad to hear how the Election went. We are camped on a plantation on the Miss River. below Vicksburg.. I wrote you when I was at Hames Plantation and and told you about sending my money & overcoate.. when I was at the Bend I sent my overcoat home by express. Sent it to Mr. Potter, Delaware and you can get it by going to him.. and I sent fifty. Dollars home by Major Mc elroy of our Regt. you will find him by going to Delaware.. if you get them let me know. We are about 25 miles below Vicksburg. Our men have made an atack on the enemy at Grand Gulf about 15 miles below where we now are.. we have got any amount of troops down here. the 96th Regt was left with one other Regt/ (the 6Oth Ind) to guard the landing and the others have gone on down to the Gulf. they expect to have a big fight there and if our men are successful it will be the downfall of Vicksburg or Port Husdon. they have comenced fighting we can hear the canon.. I shall have to stop for the male is going out very soon. You wanted to know what I thought about buying a calf with my money. you may do just what you think best & it is yours to do with.. it will suite me any way you think best.. Direct as before.

Lu Carhart

I will write again and let you know more about it.. the 20th Ohio Regt & 32 Ohio pased here last night. I saw Chauney & Charles Smith. the are both well..

Homes Plantation, Louisiana April 18 /63

Dear Friends:

Your letter No. one dated on one side of the sheet March 29 and on the other April 3 truly I was glad to hear from you and to hear that you were well. My health is pretty good at present. Since I wrote last we have left Millikin Bend. April 15 marched to Richmond (Louisiana) 12 mile the first day the second day we marched 10 miles to Homes Plantation which is about 10 miles from Carthage (Louisiana) and about 20 miles from Vicksburg and are camped in an old meadow as nice a place as one could ask for. this plantation is owned by General Homes.. a Rebel general..there is said to be some Rebels down below Carthage but we have any amount of Corps between us and there. all of the fleet that was at Millikins Bend (called Millikins Landing on the maps) have gone out toward Carthage. I dont know the object of our making this move. but it is reported that we are going to cross the River below Vicksburg. it is reported that the fleet that was at Lake Providence are now at the Bend. the 20th & 32 Ohio Regts are with them. When we left the Bend a part of our things were put on the Boats.. part of our tents cooking utensils and ????? and the Boat with our things is now going below Vicksburg all right. the night after we left they run the Blockade. It was a very dark night and seven gun boats three transports started to run the Blockake. they all went through except one transport. they shelled it and burned it up. Our troops are getting Vicksburg pretty well surrounded and I believe it has got to “fall” pretty soon and great will be the fall of it.. for I beleave that Seces will be about plaid then. the health of our Rgt is improving.. it seems that folks will be sick and die (even) if they are not in the army. it seems to me that they are about as sickley up there as they are here. you said you had heard from Frank Newcomb. I wrote to him a short time ago. I have wrote two letters to George lately but have had no answer yet. When we were at Yongs Point I got pay up to the first of November two months pay except the odd days of Christmas I enlisted the 9th of August and it was reconed from the 9th of Sept. I got $22.95 cts. I sent 15 dollars home by Flagg. the other day we were paid up to the first of March four months pay which was 52 dollars and I sent $56.00 home by Major Mc elroy the best oficer except one in the 96 Regt. the Major went home on a furlough. mosty all of the boys sent some money home.. before we left the Bend we sent our overcoats home. we put them in a barrel and expressed them to Delaware to Mr. Potter, the hardware merchant and if they go through safe you will find mine by going to Mr. Potter. the expresage is paid it cost 55 cts. there is a vest in the overcoat and some trinkets in the pockets. You go to Major Mc elroy and he will have the 50 dollars for you and to Mr. Potter and get my OverCoat. It seems the copperheads have kinder dried up. I think they had better.. the opinion here is that this war is a going to close pretty soon.. I shall have to close wishing you good Luck. I will bid you goodBy. Write soon. direct as before, from Lu Carhart.

March 24th 63 Camped at Millikens Bend, Louisana

Dear friends at home. I received your letter Dated the 8th of March. I was glad to hear from you and to learn that you were enjoying good health. my health is very good at present I have been rather unwell but am getting better. My face Swelled and the Doc said it was the mumps but I thought I had them once but maybe I did not. there is no particular news.. Mr. Flagg and Gary and Mr. Garys son started for Berlin one day last week. I suppose they will get to Berlin before this letter does or so called. it is not much of a letter and I cannot write a good letter any more I sent a sort of a letter by Mr. Flagg also some money and some other trinkets. I wrote one letter soon after Flagg came down. I told you in that about the things you sent me but maby you did not get the letter. I received a ball of butter, bunch of fruit and one shirt with Some cakes some paper and Envelopes two led pencils three and a half Dollars in money.. all of the things you sent I guess I got. we have moved about 25 miles up the River from where we have been for the last 6 weeks on the same side of the river. there has been some very heavy canonading down to Vicksburg and it is reported that our Gunboats are giving the Rebs the old Harry. you said you heard that we had a fight at Vicksburg but the Canonading that has been done since we left there is all that has been done. and I guess they will not be apt to evacuate the place very soon. our canal has proved to be of little account the River

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got so high the water broke over the Levee and drownded us out So we could not work at it. the one they are digging acrost at Lake Providence (of which no doubt you have heard) I expect will work first rate. I would like to help you make sugar this spring. I am glad you are getting along so well and can get along without help from the South. I wish I felt as free and independant as you seem to.. I am glad to hear of the yong Soldiers Somming (coming?) on. I think Ett Fitz has done as much as she aught to to put down this rebelion it ant every one that had done as much. these yong Soldiers will soon take our places. Bully for Berlin. we want Soldiers what do you think of the Conscription Bill I think it is a bulley opperation. I am in for whipping the rebs the quicker the better and I am in for whipping them at home as well as in Dixie. tell dady to write some and tell how he feels and how he is getting along how do you make the Farming go how many cows to (do) you keep.. I suppose you have no notion of enlisting. I expect the war will soon be over and then I am coming up to see about things if God is willing all I hve to do is to trust in him he is my only refuge in him will I trust you must not feel jealous because I do not write to each of you for this is to all Father Mother Brother & Sister, and I would be glad to hear from all of you in answer to this write soon and oblige your well wisher. L Carhart.

(Across top of first page) direct as before. What do you think of that Speech you sent me. I think it was about right. I wish every man of the north was of the same principal this war would have been ended before this time if they had.

No. Two Milligan’s Bend Mar 15th

Dear Friends:

This Holy Sabbath finds me in camp 25 miles up the River from where we have been camped the last 7 weeks. Mr. Gary will start for home in a day or two and I will send a few lines by him. Mr. Flagg will not go as soon. I have not much to write but when they get home they can tell you all about it. I do not feel very well to day for a Birthday. my face is swelled and the Doc says it is the mumps but I thought I had them once. Mr. Flagg has come and says he thinks he will go home with Mr Gary and I dont know which will bring the letter but I have sent to you $5 Dollars by Mr. Flagg. We have drawn two months pay.. and I sent one pair of mittens one pair of gloves and one pair of socks. he could not cary the Shirt back very well that you sent by him and I was not in want of it and philander Kelsey wanted it and I let him have it for $1.25cts and you take it out of the money I send by Flagg and all the other expences. I think my face will get well after while I am pretty well other ways. I have not much to writ. Mr. Flagg will tell more than I. ð 7 3

Number One No. 1 No. One March 6, Eighteen sixty three

Dear Father & Mother. Brother & Sister. This morning finds me in camp, feeling as well as I have since I have been in the U.S.A. Mr. Flagg & Mr. Gary came into camp yesterday morning they took us on a kind of a surprise just as we were eating Breakfast. you better beleave there was a set of tickled boys, we were as glad to see someone from home as we would to have Vicksburg. there was some of the boys rather unwell and it has livened them up a great deal. I got some things that you sent me for which I am very thankful. I beleave I got everything you sent me unless your sent money in the letter. it seems you did not calculate to send the letter by Mr. Flagg when you wrote it. You said in it you was going to send half dollar in it but there was nothing in it. I got three and a half Dollars by the hand of Mr. Flagg a bunch of dried fruit, a ball of Butter, a shirt and some cakes in it and apples. some paper & envelopes and two lead pencils the things were very nice and come good the Butter was nice and good. we drawed flour the other day instead of crackers and found a chance to traid it for Bread so I had some bread and butter which was the best I have had since I left Kentucky. the things were what I kneeded except the shirt and paper I have plenty of paper at present and my shirts are good yet. them that you made me when at Delaware are hole yet and my woolen ones are as good as when I got them. I have not drawn any yet. I beleave I will send it back by Mr. Flagg if he can carry it. you said you thought I was sick but I am not.. I feel rather under the weather some times on acount of hard fare but I feel first rate now with the prospect of having better times.. the Dierhea troubles the boys a good deal, and I beleave it is on acound of not having what they ought to have to eat. when we have money we get along very well. I am sorry I have to ask for money but I beleave it will keep me up. I am sorry I am so much trouble but if Gog (God?) (God) sees fit to let me live I will try and make it right some time. there is some prospect of our getting some pay from the government but I guess it will not be much, only one months pay if I get more before Mr Flagg starts back I will send one home. I think Mr. Flagg will stay some time. Melve is pretty sick he has been sick about two weeks with a feaver. I am very glad they came down to see us when they get back they can tell you more about our Situation than I can. it is the opinion here that there will be no fight at Vicksburg. they seem to be working a sort of plan to surround them and cut of their supplies and take the place without any fight.. day before yesterday our company worked on the canal they are going to make it work I guess they have been digging it wider it is now forty feet wide. I got a letter from you about one week ago date the 15th Feb. I have numbered this letter I beleave it a good plan t so if any is lost you will know it. this is the first one I hav numbered. I beleave I will stop. write soon.. my best respect to all. Lu. Carhart.

(Upside down at top of second page) I got my papers you sent Tribune & Gazett.