July 7.—My brother came to see me to-day, and I could scarcely repress the tears. He looked so badly, I could hardly believe he was the same I had seen ten days ago. He met the army near Tullahoma, and has been on the move ever since. He had a horse, and was much better off than many others. He says the retreat from Kentucky was nothing to this one, and said, “If Bragg had only let us fight, I would not grumble, as I know we would have whipped them.” I have been told the same by many others of the men; all seemed eager for the fight; but General Bragg knows best what to do.
It is again rumored that Vicksburg has fallen; but I will wait for more proof before believing it. I observe, at a time like this, that our people always get low spirited, and are ready to believe all the bad news they hear.
I had a visit from Captain Goldston of Morgan’s squadron. He had just come from Kentucky and had seen Mr. Speaker’s mother and sisters. Mrs. W. had given Captain G. a lock of Mr. S.’s hair; he had given it to them, and they sent us their thanks for our attention to him.
