July 9.—Vicksburg has really gone. I suppose we were compelled to surrender it. I wish our people would not tell so many untruths as they have about this place. Only a few days ago we heard there were provisions enough in it to last six months, and now it is said our troops were dying of starvation. All looks gloomy; there is scarcely one bright spot to be seen.
General Lee went into Pennsylvania, and had a desperate battle at Gettysburg. After losing many of our best men, he was compelled to retreat. It is said he has brought out a vast amount of spoils. All these disasters only serve to prolong the war; for I am certain that, happen what will, we will never be slaves to the foe.
"A breath of submission we breathe not;
The sword that we’ve drawn we will sheath not!
Its scabbard is left where our martyrs are laid,
And the vengeance of ages has whetted its blade".
Earth may hide, waves engulf, fire consume us,
But they shall not to slavery doom us."
There is an old Scotch proverb which says "It is a lang road that has na a turnin." The Federals have been having every thing their own way lately. Our day will soon come.
"What though sunken be the sun,
There are stars when day is done."
