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night of 16th the Enemy made a desperate effort with their batteries but done the Gunboats no damage and destroyed but one transport. and it is said that this might have been savid if the crew had not deserted her. it looks as though something active would be done against Vicksburg very soon. the faster they hurry it up the better I shall be suited not that I am anxious for a fight but want the job over the Country will feel better then. my health is good and the health of the Army is as good as could be expected. and can be trusted in a hard fight with Genl Grant to command them. I see some northern papers are rather down on Grant am sorry to see it for I am a Grant admirer he has not the Military jenious of Napaleon. but he has the cause at Heart he is not fighting for General Grant but for the purpose