Letter from Orlando L. French to Lydia French

a house + the rebs keep pegging away at us several have struck very close It is very funny music to hear these little balls and big shells come whistling by our ears and I have heard them enough to demonstrate one thing + that is that I can face them with as little fear as any of them + with less flinching than most of them but I am not sorry that we kept out of the big fight The reports that some have written of the result of the fight is shameful- It is true that Rosa was forced to fall back to this place but it was worse than useless to have fought the whole confederacy any longer but if he had been reinforced as he expected to be he would have whipped them and as it is they are about as badly whipped as we are -and the story that McCooks + Crittendens Corps acted disgracefull is entirely false it was written by Gen Thomas blower + strikes The enemy have been silent for three days except an occasional shot and it is the opinion here that they are going to lay siege

to this place of they can get in our rear and cut off our communication but they have got a good deal to do if they undertake that job We have been short of rations for several days, and men & officers are now living on half rations. It comes rather tough to live on half rations of Hard bread, meat coffee, & sugar, but such is often the fate of soldiers and we hear but little grumbling

I have not heard from you for a long time and am very anxious to get a letter from you, as I know you are from me

I have become somewhat rested and am quite well now

In my last I gave you permission to go to house keeping but if you have made no move in that direction I would much rather you find a good place and go to boarding I rather like the looks of this town

I will write you again in a few days as I have opportunity

How I wish I could see you tonight but it is useless to wish so good bye dearest of women, while I remain ever your loving

Husband