.NjU2.MTM2NA

Memphis Feby 18" 1863 Mr. G. Hathaway Brimfield Ills Dear Father as I have a few leasure moments this morning I do not know of any thing that will afford me more pleasure than writing you a Short letter. when I wrote to Sister Abby we expected to be off to Vicksburg before this time we were promised Boats two weeks ago but they did not arrive till yesterday now I suppose a day or two will find us Steaming down the Mississippi river towards that Stronghold of Treason. my own opinion is that we need not look for any engagement at Vicksburg