Justus F. Gale to Sister
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It is with much pleasure that I seat myself this pleasant Saboth day to write you
a few lines to let you know that I am well with the exception of being a little
lame; While we were laying in the woods at Port Hudson I was taken with a sort
of lame numb lameness through my hips and limbs - but was not so bad
but what I kept with the regt. and marched into the Port with them. our brigade
then had orders for another march and the Doct. sent me to this place for
repairs. I stayed in the convalescent camp a few days and got some better and an
opportunity presented itself to me to try a new kind of buisness; So another
fellow of our Co. but the rebs have got all our stuff we
left at Brashear City.
by the name of Wm Norton of Morrist- own and I thought we would try
it. we are now on a plantation and have the choice of drawing and dealing out
rations to about 100 contrabands we draw rations from our quartermaster once in
10 days - and deal out to the nigs every morning; we have nothing to do with
cooking it - nothing only deal out the raw material; we dealt out the first this
morning - and tomorrow morning I have got to go to the City (Batton Rouge) and
draw for 10 days. the pla- ntation is about two miles from town. I have got me a
pony to ride so I can caper about quite at my leasure. I dont know how I shall
like it or how long I shall be in it; but if I do the buisness satisfactory -
and like it I prob- ably can stay all summer.
We have soft bread to eat ourselves and can change bread or most any thing we
have with a planter near by for milk
butter eggs or any such thing
as he had to spare. he appears to be a verry nice man - and wants to see this
war brought to a close as much as any of us do. I recd your kind letter and your
picture. they came all safe and nice; I shouldent hardly have known it but then
I can see Samantha there yet; You wanted I should write about how faired &c;
when we was on the march from Brashear City up through to the red river we had a
first rate time of it although we had some hard days marches but when we got
ready to stop for the night then hurah boys for chickens hogs beef sugar &c.
but when we were at Port Hud- we hadent much chance for that but got enough such
as it was. I havent got any pay yet. I guess when it comes there will be quite a
pile of it.
I have just heard that Gen Lee has got pretty well
whipped up and that he has been captured; if this is true I thing there is some
show for this war coming to a close; one thing I feel pretty sure that we made a
good hall at Vicksburg and port Hudson.
I dont think of anything more this time; give my love to all - and except the same your self.
I guess I will have my letters directed to Batton Rouge, La. In care Lieut. B. Boggs. dont put on the Co. or regt please write often and oblige.
Your respectfully, J. F. Gale
July 20th
Well as comon going to town to draw rations; verry warm and
looks like showers. had some boiled corn for dinner, some squash, pork and
bread and some peaches
Jut.
take this letter and go right back again.