.ODAx.NTE1NjE

[inverted writing begin] I made all the enquires I could for Uncle John and Mr. Curtis but did not succeed in finding either. John Howard was left in the Hospital at Memphis he has rheumatism. Lt. H. thinks we will get his discharge I doubt itend inverted writing] causes land shoal's, sometimes two and three rods wide, with heavy timber trees standing perfectly erect after it has [illegible]. 2 A. M. the fleet has all come to a halt in the middle of the river, th boys are all excitement thinking there will be a fight, ten minutes later again on the move, I am too lazy to get excited, half an hour later and the fleet is rounding too to land at Gains landing, on the Ark. shore, and I am going out jay hawking. Sun down the boats are loading with wood it has to be choped by the deck hands. The result of my expedition was, one Turkey some Milk Butter and Honey, and a swelled face so that I could hardly see from my fight with the bees. After going back a little ways from the we came to rich plantations, which the boys striped without any mercy, untill the pickets were put out and drove them back in. The nett proceeds of our mess was two Turkeys, six Chickens, 1 1/2 bush. Sweet Potatoes, some milk, Butter and Honey. So you need not have any doubt as to our haveing a Christmas dinner. It is supposed that H. Whipple is under arrest for setting a house on fire he has not been seen since we landed. Wednesday Morn. That is true about H. W. There was a scouting party went out last night from this regiment Commanded by Company officers, they went out side of the pickets to some rich planters houses, some of our boys that were with them brought in some Green backs and Confederate money in their pockets [begin vertical writing] I like L t Lewis much better then at first. As to the Capt. I do not think it wirth a while to wast paper in writing about him. [vertical writing end]