It is hotter in LA than in CT. Major Miller and Eddy Kines arrived; they had been shipwrecked on their way.
Bayou Lafourch L.A.
March 8th 1863
My Dear little Wife
today is the sabbath day and all that are not in camps probably see more respect shown to the day that to other days. I myself have got so used to passing the day like other days that it seems hard to make a distinction. I believe my dear in a Providence (a good Providence) that does not punish us as we deserve but is kind and forbearing towards us. I would my dear that I could say that I appreciate kindness at all times. I have often thought that providence had befriended me above my deserts since I have been in the army and that this regiment & Co B have been spared from sickness and Battle a great deal more than we had a right to expect. the Bible tells us that the ways of providence are past finding out and I believe it. I hope I may be given strength to appreciate the goodness of God toward me and mine. how little we appreciate the danger of living in opposition to the commands of God but I hope that God will give me strength to walk aright.
Our major and Eddy Kines one of our Co arrived yesterday. they were shipwrecked on the ship Planter in coming out to N. Orleans and had a long time of trouble in getting here. Major Miller is from Georgetown and was the captain of the Co that I played for at Georgetown. he is now the Major of our Regt. and a clever man. I think that our Regt. will stay at this Rail Road for the present although we never can tell from one day to another how long we shall stay, the orders have come here once for us to march but they were countermanded. some say that our Col. has got to be Provost Marshall of this parish but I dont know how that is yet.
the weather is quite warm to day and the sun is uncomfortably hot. I expect we shall see some very hot weather before June. My dear there must be quite a change betwen this climate and N. England I am sure I should never think of living in this state unless I was obliged to. there must be a great deal of Fever as the country is very low and level and there is a great many snakes and crockadiles. the Boys often see them along the swamps and ditches. i myself have never seen a crocadile in this place although I saw one at Ship Island.
well my dear wife I have not much news to write about today but I must tell you that I think of you constantly with love and long to be with you, some times it seems as ifl could not wait for the time to come that will set us at liberty and some times it seems as we could not be allowed to enjoy in much happiness as it would be to [ J to be once more with my Family. My darling how I do want to see you and how I do want to enjoy that perfect confidence that can only be enjoyed with one that is loved I hope to [be J spared to be with you and the dear children.
hoping this will find you in good health and spirits I subscribe myself
your loving Husband J. D. Bishop
