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.