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have advanced slowly and cautiously untill twenty five yards would cover the distance between them and the fort. This is what the Rebs call a d-m Yankee trick. Deserters are continualy comeing over to our lines, they all tell the same story of their suferings, short rations and constant duty. One of them said all they got was six ounces of (Niggar) Pea meal and four ounces of meat pr day. They say also that when we first came here we killed about eight hundred head of cattle that were inside their pickets. The weather was so warm that it was nearly all lost. Negroes are comeing over to our lines in great numbers. They are also trying to drive out their mules, but Grant has isued an order against letting them through our lines, but to shoot them whenever we can near their works so as to make it as unpleasant as possible for them. On Sunday I received Saras letter of May 24th in which she says you had not heard from me since leaving New Carthage. My next letter was from Bayou PIerre about the 5th of May telling you of the fight at Port Gibson or Magnolia Hills. I have never exceeded ten days between any two letters. I am getting tired of my position in which I am writing sitting on the ground with a board on my knee, so will bring this to close. What is the reason I never hear from Charlie? I have written him twice without receiving any answer. Kiss the children for me. Would like to send them something to remember me by but can not. Tell Cate to be a good girl, and I will come home and see her sometime. With lots of love I am your Affectionate Brother Carlie