We are now having wet weather.  I have a big army in front of me as well as bad roads.  I shall probably give a good account of myself however notwithstanding all obstacles.  My plans are all complete for weeks to come and I hope to have them all work out just as planned.

For a conscientious person, and I profess to be one, this is a most slavish life.  I may be envied by ambitious persons, but I in turn envy the person who can transact his daily business and retire to a quiet home without a feeling of responsibility for the morrow.  Taking my whole department, there are an immense number of lives staked upon my judgment and acts.  I am extended now like a peninsula into an enemy’s country, with a large army depending for their daily bread upon keeping open a line of railroad running one hundred and ninety miles through an enemy’s country, or, at least, through territory occupied by a people terribly embittered and hostile to us.  With all this I suffer the mortification of seeing myself attacked right and left by people at home professing patriotism and love of country, who never heard the whistle of a hostile bullet.  I pity them and a nation dependent upon such for its existence.  I am thankful however that, although such people make a great noise, the masses are not like them.

To all the other trials that I have to contend against, is added that of speculators whose patriotism is measured by dollars and cents.  Country has no value with them compared with money.  To elucidate this would take quires of paper.  So I will reserve this for an evening’s conversation, if I should be so fortunate as to again get home where I can have a day to myself.

Tell the children to learn their lessons, mind their Grandma and be good children.  I should like very much to see them.  To me they are all obedient and good.  I may be partial but they seem to me to be children to be proud of.

Remember me to all at home,

Your brother

ULYS.

[Walnut Hills is a little north of Vicksburg.  The position of Vicksburg on high bluffs overlooking the river was inaccessible.  After five months of exposure and labor Grant at last attained his preliminary object, getting his troops to the rear of the city.  During this time he would not communicate his plans to the public—­this movement to a point below Vicksburg from which to operate.  The North was much discouraged over the situation; voluntary enlistment ceased.  It was important to gain a decisive victory.  In January, he assumed command himself of the expedition.  The siege lasted from May 10th to July 4th.  Johnston was the commander-in-chief of the Confederate forces and was east of the troops besieging Vicksburg.  Pemberton was in command at Vicksburg.]

Walnut Hills, Miss.,
June 15th, 1863.

DEAR FATHER: 

I have received several letters from Mary and yourself, but as I have to deal with nineteen-twentieths of those received, have neglected to answer them.