_Washington, July 10, 1863._ DEAR MOTHER--I suppose you rec'd a letter
from me last Wednesday, as I sent you one Tuesday (7th). Dear mother, I
was glad enough to hear from George, by that letter from Snyder's Bluffs,
June 28th. I had felt a little fear on acc't of some of those storming
parties Grant sent against Vicksburg the middle of June and up to the
20th--but this letter dispels all anxiety. I have written to George many
times, but it seems he has not got them. Mother, I shall write
immediately to him again. I think he will get the letter I sent last
Sunday, as I directed it to Vicksburg--I told him all the news from home.
Mother, I shall write to Han and enclose George's letter. I am real glad
to hear from Mat and the little one, all so favorable. We are having
pleasant weather here still. I go to Campbell hospital this afternoon--I
still keep going, mother. The wounded are doing rather badly; I am sorry
to say there are frequent deaths--the weather, I suppose, which has been
peculiarly bad for wounds, so wet and warm (though not disagreeable
outdoors). Mother, you must write as often as you can, and Jeff too--you
must not get worried about the ups and downs of the war; I don't know any
course but to resign oneself to events--if one can only bring one's mind
to it. Good-bye once more, for the present, dearest mother, Mat, and the
dear little ones.