Letter from Willie to Mother, September 21, 1863#

Bonnet Carre, Sep. 21st 1863

Dear Mother,

Having nothing better to do, I will write to you. In the first place, I am enjoying the best of health and the time is past of when we thought our time was out but then we were confident that our time was not out till the 10th of October, dating from the Colonel’s commission. The men are generally in good health and spirits but are anxious for the start homeward bound. I am taking things easy, have plenty of good food, and we have got a baseball from New Orleans so that we have a good game once in a while. We have got two picked nines of it from the Regiment. I am captain of ours. We had a match the other day and we were beat pretty bad but I am making every effort to get my nine in condition to play the return game. There has been quite a change in the weather. It is now quite pleasant and the evenings very cold. The overcoats come in play again. It puts us in mind of Jamaica. James is in New Orleans doing very well. I believe the mail got in two or three days ago but no letters for me but receive two papers. I saw a few drafted that I was acquainted with. I expect if I was home I would be unlucky enough to get drafted. I think the best way to keep out of this war is to go see the Mormons. It looks as if we are to have war for years as France is poking her nose in. There is a large army moved from here. They think it has gone to Texas to keep the French Army out. It looks as if we were to have lively times. If France should interfere I think it would bring on a universal war, as England would take that time to pay up old scores and Russia having France out of the way would put in effect her long cherished scheme of taking Turkey. And she being a firm ally of the United States would do all in her power to cripple the French nation, it being her best policy, as she is afraid to act while France is in power. France had better look out for her doom is sealed. George Fanjoy has gone to New Orleans. We have not heard whether we are to stay two years more or not – we have not heard

from New York but expect the letter Saturday. But we are pretty confident that we will come home together. But I must get my dinner. Can’t go back on my rations.

Bonnet Carre, Sep 24th

I guess you think I was a long time to my dinner but I thought I would wait till I heard something different before sending this letter. There are all sorts of rumors in camp but it is pretty certain that all hope of sending the Regiment (3-years men) home is stopped, for General Banks, acting on the advice of Major Morgan, will hold the men. Now our help lies in New York or Washington. It is now a month since we wrote the authorities in New York about it and we expect something different about it by the next steamer which will be here on Saturday. As soon as I hear about it I will let you know. I am confident that it will turn out all right yet. I am in good spirits and health. If held, I stand a good chance for a position in the new regiment. You may rest assured that things will turn out all right. In a weeks time I think the case will be decided. I will write and keep you posted. I received a letter from James yesterday. He is all right. He is not mustered in his company yet and will not be for two weeks which will decide the fate of this Regiment: if it all goes home, he will go with it; if not he will muster in with his company. There is little more excitement about here now as the Rebels are supposed to be in Baton Rouge.

I expect there will be more troops at this place. There is not much danger of them attacking this place as they will not get out again for our troops are on three sides of it. The weather is beautiful and the night very cold. We examine all boats on the river. I am on guard today.

You must not feel worried on account of James or myself as I never felt better in my life. Man proposes but God disposes. Leaving everything in his hands, Jesus has been my Friend ever since I left home. He has been with me in the hour of battle, has shielded me from sickness & death, and I know that he will not desert me now.

Hoping that this will find you all enjoying good health,

I remain as ever your affectionate son,

Willie