Mo. Heights, May 24, 1863.
Dear Friends:
Yours found us all well. Was sorry to hear that Aunt D. was so near her end; but hers has been a life of sickness. We might say her last moments on earth would be the happiest she ever enjoyed for years. But to change the topic to the great cry of the nation, when is the war to be settled? I must say the matters look pretty blue. We must gain a victory soon, in some quarter and a great victory at that. If the papers speak the truth, the feelings of the people North are a little disloyal; I don’t mean in Mass., but more particularly the “Empire State,” especially on the Vallandigham case. He is a traitor and why not give him his dues? I see that he was not to be sent to Fort Warren but through our lines to the south. I hope Gov. Seymour will soon follow him; he certainly does no good to our cause, but on the contrary a great deal of harm. The weather has been very hot, but if there is a breeze we get it. It is beginning to get hard on us again, to have to go half way down the mountain for water, and if we don’t have rain soon, shall have to go to the foot. It is not very pleasant crawling up the mountain with a few canteens and a scorching sun sending its burning rays on to the back. Lieut. H. has returned to Co. H for duty; while here he won the enthusiasm of the men; if the men did not know the drill, he would take hold and show them and not damn them. The feelings of the Co. are worse than they have ever been before. I have no doubt if they had a leader to carry out any thing, some change might take place in the Company. There are fears that Harper’s Ferry will be attacked. The rebs have shown themselves rather plucky lately. I wish you would send me out my spanish book; we are having a small class in the barracks I stop in. Have got one man that can speak well. I have some one ask me every day how you are and if I think you will come out here this summer. What do you think of it? I remain, Your obt. servant,
L. B., Jr.
