04 Nov 1863

Bayou Vermillian (LA)

(p1) Dear wife I take this chance to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope you and the children are the same. I have not had any answers to the last two letters that I sent I am tired of looking for letters. the army is on the way back to Newtown, (LA) where we shal take up our winter quarters we only went as far as Opelousas (LA) there was fighting all the way our bridge was not

(p2) engaged. there is a battle going on now the rebs have attacked the 13th army corps but they will get enough of it. General Wietzel has gone back with his brigade to take a hand in the fight. I sent you 25 dollars last payday let me know if you got it. the boys are all well give my love to John and family and Samuel and family and all my friends. kiss all the children for me and may God bless you and protect you all

your afectionate Husband

Laban Hill

(p3) PS You must not think this letter is wrote with the blood of rebels it is the juice of the Poke berry it is grown plenty here in the spring it makes fine greens and in the fall the berry is good ink the weather is getting wet and cold my health is bad all the time but I hope we shall get a rest this winter

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