News of Banks' and Grant's progress in taking Vicksburg and Port Hudson, discussion of Sarah's teeth and a warning about Sarah's apparent interest in Martin Griffing's church and it's guest sermon delivered by Mr. Gilbert. Sarah has asked him for a picture of Bishop presumably in dress uniform; Bishop demurs.
Napoleonville La.
May 5th 1863
Dear Wife
This evening I received 3 letters dated the 6 I 8” & 23d April. the letters pleased me very much, there is no change in our condition since I wrote you last. I am in hopes that we shall stay here until we start for home although I really do not care. I rather think I should like to change only that I know that we probbly should not be as well situation in any other place as it regards being exposed to the sun & climate, you see my dear that we are quartered in a building that was formerly a Hotel and we have plenty of Room and very comfortable quarters. the mail is going to Lafourche tomorrow morning and I must send one letter by the mail.
my dear the news in this quarter has been rather cheering lately, you will of course see by the papers all about Bank’s victorious march through the state of Louisianna. it is said that he is near Vicksburgh cooperating with Gen. Grant and that the Gun Boats and army that are trying to reduce Charleston are coming to this department to see if they cannot reduce Mobile, Galveston &c. I am in hopes that they will be more successful down this way than they were at Charleston.
I find it hard work to pass the time and be contented as there is not much change but one thing over & over day after day. but my health continues just about the same. I feel pretty well for a few days and then I feel down again but I donot think that I am any worse than I have been for some years except that I think that I should feel better in a cooler climate. I long for a good sniff of pure northern air.
My dear Wife I appreciate the love you show by submitting to have your teeth taken out so that you can have a new set. I think my dear that it will improve your appearance very much. and I can assure you that feel grateful for the love that you show for me by submitting to the pain necessary in having a new set put in. I am in hopes that you will not suffer any serious pain by the operation.
you speak of wishing to see my uniform, now my dear I never have worn anything but plain clothes with Brass Buttons. I never put any stripes on my pants or coat because I did not like it. and since I have been chief musician I have never made any change except that I wore a sword on duty. when I am with Co. B. I am simply a musician. I have long since ceased to care any thing for the honor of my office as there is no honor attached to any thing in the military line. My dear wife if a person holds an office in the army he is disliked by those under him if he tries to make them obedient and if he does not make them obedient they dispise him. I donot use my ofice at all now days but simply fife.
well my darling I was glad to feel by your letters that you still loved me and the you had not forgotten me.
you say my dear that you want to hear Mr. Gilbert preach &c now darling donot you become fascinated by him and go to mixing in with that crowd. Mr Martin Griffin you know is one of his members and I donot want to have you become anymore intimately connected with such as him than is necessary. but do not take it that I would prevent your going to church there if you wished it but I advise you to be careful about leaving the children without someone to take care of them until I get home unless there is no probability of my coming home. My dear I dispise those hypocritical church people generally. but my dear I love you and want to have you keep your eyes open.
give my love to the children and imagine that I am sleeping quietly by your side
from your loving Husband J.D. Bishop
