There was some expectation of an attack on this place to destroy the railroad bridge where they are camped. They were called out in the night but there was no attack. He reports evacuating Brashear and making a stand at Bayou Boeuf about 8 or IO miles away (?- it appear more like 40). The men of his company he reports they have no confidence in the management of the war and feel they will get beaten. Bishop, while apprehensive of Thomas Seymour's governorship, hopes that his election will be the end of the abolitionists hopes of the government of the United States.
Lafourch Crossing La.
March 23rd 1863
Letter #1
Dear Wife
This is Sunday morning and I will write to you and let you know some of the passing events of this miserable state of Louisianna. well for the last few days we have been in an uproar on account of expecting an attack on this place to destroy the Rail Road Bridge. about 3 nights ago we were called out in the night by the firing of the Pickets and waited for the enemy but they did not come. I thought that this is one of the places that they would first seek to destroy so as to cut off our Cars and the fords that we have above. we have evacuated Brashear and have made a stand at Bayou Beff about 8 or IO miles this side. General Wetzell is at Bayou Beff with his Brigade and Artillery Gun Boats &c waiting an attack of the enemy. he has withdrawn from Brashear probably because the enemy could get in his Rear at the Bayous below and cut off his Retreat. I expect nothing else but that we shall have to evacuate this Rail Road and go to N. Orleans. the fact of it is that we donot seem to be successful anywhere and the men generally seem to think that we shall get licked out they have no confidence in the management of the war. they think and I think that our folks always try to do too much for the number of men that they have. I think that they should concentrate their forces more and try to keep possession as far as they go. it will depend on the result of the Battles at Port Hudson and Vicks burgh about our success in this quarter.
I hear that the President is about to make another call for Troops and that I suppose will make a time in Danbury. I hope the abolitionists will show by enlisting that they are willing to back up their doctrine by enlisting and risking their lives instead of driving others into it. I am rather of the opinion that T. Seymour will be elected governor of the State of Connecticut. I must confess that I hope he will not that I believe in the Peace party but I think it will force the administration to renounce the Emancipation Policy which I think is a weakness to our cause. My dear Wife I wish my country well and I think the Abolitionists will ruin it if there is not a change of policy. it seems some times as if Providence was against us. I am waiting anxiously for the news from Conn. to see what effect it will have on the war. My dear Wife do not think that I donot wish the government to be successful because I do but I have not as much confidence in the success of it as I used to have. enough of Politics,
My dear Wife I love you and long to hear from you. I have not had a letter from you now in 10 days and I donot know what to make of it but I donot think but what you write as often as you can find time. My heart yearns for you darling and I hope the times of my abscence will speedily pass so that I can be with you again, give my love to the dear children and believe me to be your loving Husband
J. D. Bishop
