From the 54th Regiment. - Camp Sherman, Mississippi, August 27, 1863.

Editor Torch-Light: Dear Sir, Being at leisure this evening, I thought I would give you a short account of our whereabouts, as I have not heard from Xenia for some time. I have come to the conclusion that you have forgotten the 54th, for we have seen some stirring times, but have never heard of ourselves in print, and as there is no one else to inform you of our existence, I thought I would try my hand.

We are camped in a pretty beach-grove, on the banks of the Big Black river; the muddiest stream in the country. We hav enothing to do but swim, fish, and read a few stale books that may be picked up through the country; but anything to wile away those long, hot days in camp.

The boys are all well, except some few cases of the fever and ague, but that is nothing where quinine is so plenty; for in this country we get quinine for the chills and fever, toothache, headache, wounds, &c. So it is no use to tell a surgeon your disease, for it is quinine anyhow (but that is nothing when you get used to it).

The trouble in this hot country is, that the bugs about ruin our hard tack, and that takes effect on our systems. But once in a while we draw flour, and with our lady-like hands we manufacture it into biscuit, doughnuts, and slapjacks, or as the boys call them "belly-wads", and various other articles in pastry, to keep soul and body together. But the boys seem to take it all in good heart, for it has got to be an old thing with them.

The boys are all in good health and excellent spirits, but a little more so than usual, for to-morrow is pay-day, so we will be rich again untill it is gone. So you see this is a happy life, is it not? To be sure.

But it suits me exactly, for I am willing to stand by the old flag until it waves over every state in this glorious Union [page folded] North will only keep peace, and I don't think it far off.

And, by the way, give my respects to all the Vallandighamites, in the shape of cold steel, for that is the only compliment I can give them. A few of the boys are getting furloughs, but it will soon play out -- and in one short year we will be at home to take care of the Copperheads. And in conclusion, stand by the old flag and the soldiers, and we shall come out all right yet.

Yours truly,

BILL THE BRICK,

Private Co. G, 54th Regt. O.V.I.