There are rumors of a Confederate attack and cavalry scouts under a flag of truce. Bishop assumes that his enlistment will be up in June.
Berwick's Bay [LA]
February 15th 1863
Dearest Sarah,
It is sabbath day today and we do not have as much to do as usual. this morning is a drizzly rainy morning and things look gloomy. I am glad to have it get still once in a while and not be surrounded with the constant clutter of music. most of the musicians are off on passes seeing what they can see. there is not much change in affairs, we have heard some rumours every day about the rebels. last night the rumour was that we should be attacked before many days. the rebels consider this place of consequence because we have a great deal of sugar & commissary stores collected here and the possession of them would be of great conseqence to them. some of the Rebel Cavalry comes down to the landing almost every day with a flag of truce our folks think they are trying to find out our means of resistance. I think our folks are rather slack in some things, there is not as much discipline in the army as I expected to find. I do not think the american people are well calculated for soldiers as they are not willing to submit to the necessary discipline. some of the Boys do not like the rules and regulations that govern the Band but I get along tolably [tolerably} well with them. I shall endeavor to be as easy as I can and keep up a proper standing.
Dearest Sarah I put a letter in the office yesterday morning for you so that if you receive all that I sent to you will have letters enough for one or 2 hours reading. My darling where a person writes as many letters as I do to you they must necessarily use man[y] repititions.
last night I did not sleep very well. I have a good deal to try me in controlling so many men some 20 to 24 and they do not always feel in good humour. some of them are very nice and intelligent. Shorty Smith & Johnny Raymond belong to the Drum Corps. Shorty is as funny as ever. I just heard him in the other room neighing like a mare Horse.
My dear Wife time passes and each day I hope brings us one day nearer to each other will it not be a pleasure to enjoy each others society again? not that I think that my society is highly prized by most folks but that I think you understand me better and I hope have charity for my failings you know darling that I would like to do right if I could always see right. I have learned that I am liable to be mistaken as well as other folks. By dear it does me good to think that you love me and I will not doubt your love because you have shown it to me in a thousand ways. I know that you have a right to think me exacting but I hope your charity will be sufficient to excuse it and I hope I shall learn by experience so that eventually my disposition will be [m]ore even,
now my darling I want to tell you that I love you and long to enjoy your society and long to show you by my care for your comfort that I professing Love hoping that a kind providence will still keep us in his care I remain your loving husband
J. D. Bishop
