The war to Bishop seems to be going on the same as usual with no large battles to report on. He discusses the confiscation act and his fear that it will produce disorder in Connecticut and the Northern states, if not civil war. He tells of seeing the army of 12 thousand marching from Baton Rouge with tired, ragged and dirty men. Among them are Col. William Wilson's 6th NY Zouaves. It appears that the men with 3 year enlistments expressed a hope that the government would keep Bishop and his fellow 9 month troops another 2 years which Bishop could not abide.
Lafourche Crossing La.
April 3rd 1863
Dear Wife
the mail is going to New Orleans tomorrow morning and I thought I would make out 4 more pages though how I shall succeed is a matter in doubt. James Hagan seems to be better and I think will get along without a fit of sickness. I have written you 1 sheet before today and I am afraid that I have exhausted the subject.
the war seems to be going on the same as usual and there seems to be no heavy battles at present. there seems to be a great deal of interest felt by the soldiers in the confiscation act. whether it can be enforced or not. I was afraid that it will produce disorder at least in Connecticut and the Northern states but I am in hopes that it will not cause civil war to break out. that would be a great evil and I pray God that it may not take place in Connecticut. you can little realize what war is without seeing it. if you could see the army of 12 thousand that marches down from Baton Rouge and passed within 3 or 4 miles of our station. the men all tired ragged & dirty. Billy Wilson's Zouaves are with them. the 3 years men are awfully down on the 9 months men and they say they hope the government will keep them 2 years over their time. but we beg leave to differ with them. I should hate most dreadfully to have to stay in the army 2 years.
George Brocket that is courting Mary Benedict was at our camp yesterday and I shook hands with him. he looks in good health. we often come across men from Danbury and places near by there. the 3 years men think that they have a long time to look ahead to.
you hear a great deal said about the sunny south but I have not seen anything that looked attractive to me yet. I would not take the best plantation there is in Louisianna if I had got to live here. I think it is the most forsaken country that I ever saw. I should rather live with you and the children in a shanty in Connecticut. I suppose the better class of people have left this portion of the country. the people here although they have taken the oath of alligeance are all sucesh My darling wife it is now nearly twilight the hour that turns our thoughts to home and loved ones. I like to think of you my dear wife at this hour when all nature is seeking repose in night. I wish I could be home with you to offer you my breast for a pillow. you might think it a hard one but the heart beneath it beats for you alone with the dear children I must give them a share of it but you my dear wife are entitled to the largest share.
my dear wife I love you fondly and want to be worthy on to feel your loving arms around my neck and your faithful heart beating in unison with mine. will the time ever come my dear I hope so. patience must rule the hour. others have bourne separation and I must. what cause is there more noble that the cause of our country. and the sacrifice must be borne by thousands of husbands and wives. my dear I shall try to do my duty and leave the rest with God. from your affectionate Husband
J.D. Bishop
