More discussion of politics and Bishop expresses his dislike for President Lincoln and his preference for General Benjamin Butler. He also fears a war with England and France. Bishop relates that the former enslaved population have a "ball" every Saturday. Despite a prohibition of attending for the regiment, members managed to slip out. The corporal of the guard saw to it that their officer didn't see them.
Napoleonville
May 3rd 1863
My little darling Wife
Today is Sabbath morning hot enough to satisfy the most chilly but we are in comfortable quarters and as long as we keep out of the sun we can keep tolerable cool.
I sent you a paper by the last mail that will give you some information of the condition of this portion of the country. Things are quiet here as far as the war is concerned and the danger from an attack by the Rebs. I think is over for some months at least. I think they are pretty well driven out of this State and I donot think that they can raise another army in this state but it depends upon how successful they are in other states. I hope that we are going to get the best of them all around time will tell.
I am a little afraid that we shall finally have a Brush with England. I received the N. York Times of April 1 1th containing the speech of Gen. Butler. I read his speech and liked his speech very much. I wish we had him for a President not that I think Mr. Lincoln ought to be removed but that I think he would be more like Gen. Jackson and finish up whatever he undertook with a determination that I should like to see put in practice. the most that I fear in this war is that we shall get involved with England or France before we can finish the Rebs sufficiently to stand our hand with a foreign power. but it is no use to speculate in advance, if we get into a war with England we shall undoubtedly find it out.
last night being saturday night the niggers had a Ball as they generally do of a saturday night so the Boys or a good many of them made up their minds that they would go to it. the orders there that no private or member of the co. shall pass the guard or go beyond the hearing of the drum, last night the officers found out that the Boys had gone about 9 o’clock and they fastened up all the doors of the I-louse so that they could not get in without their knowing it. the Captain he got in the Room with the back Door to watch for them. well the Corporal of the Guard saw how things were and he sent word to the Boys that he would manage to let them in some how. the fun of it is that the Captain got to sleep after 12 o’clock and the Boys most of them got in without his seeing them. well this morning at Roll Call he toLd the Boys that they had disobeyed orders and gave a lecture and is going to make them do all the Guard duty for a time to punish them. I think that when the Boys get out of the service that they will remember it.
well my darling we have not received a mail for several days now and I think there must be another one due by this time. I am anxious to get a letter from you as your letters have to supply the solace of a wife to me. my little darling I wish that I knew when our time was out so that I could make some calculations when we were coming home. the Captain says that he is going to try by the middle of the month to bring before the commanding Gen. our situation and he is going to try to get us out of the service in June.
Now then my darling wife I donot much expect that we shall get home before August and I shall of course feel as if I could not content myself to stay so long but I shall remain true to you in affection and duty. My wife I love you and long to tell you so with your head on my breast and I long to be home with you to comfort you and provide for you and help take care of the children my darling I hope the time will soon pass. accept the love of your devoted Husband
J.D, Bishop
