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.