Bishop describes the differences between convalescent camp and hospital. He hopes to go home soon and taste the vegetables of her garden.
Cotton Press
N. Orleans
July 22nd 1863
My Dear Wife
This morning I think I will occupy my time by writing to you. There is almost 30 or 40 of our Regt. here. It is a convalescent camp and is designed for soldiers that that are unable to do duty but not sick enough to go to a Hospital. I myself am resting and waiting for our Regt. to come down from the R. Road. The doctor talks as if we were going to start for home soon but there is no telling how soon. There has got to be a good deal of fighting down by some of the forces in this department to drive the Rebs out of the state of Louisiana. They are congregated in considerable forces up on the R. Road that we have been guarding. Our Regt. is up on the Road at St. Charles about 20 miles from N. Orleans. I am strongly in hopes that they intend to send us home soon. It is said by the Boys that Capt. Jenkins is trying to get us home and that he went to Gen. Emory the Gen in Command in the absence of Gen Banks yesterday. What the result was or whether he ascertained anything about our prospects I have not heard. I think before the steamer sails that will carry the mail that I may ascertain something definite about our starting. I shall probably write another sheet and add to this.
You may be sure my darling that I am very anxious to get home and see you all besides I am thoroughly disgusted with the business. If I am blessed as to be able to sit down to my own table and eat a good meal of Victuals. And to have a bed to sleep on at night. If these men that are being drafted knew what the service was they would fight at their own doors before they would enter into it. I am inclined to think that if the Government could put plenty of men right into the field that they could soon finish this Rebellion and bring peace to the Land.
I think my darling that I shall be glad to get some of your garden Sass to eat if I get home. I think that by that time it will be big enough to eat. What should you think of sitting down to some dry Bread and weak tea for a meal of Victuals. We have to buy something constantly to satisfy the cravings of our appetites. My darling I do not wish to complain but I want to get out of this and get home. I want to get to work and take care ofmy Family. I feel just as if I could take hold of work with a will.
Well my darling I do not feel very poetical just now but I appreciate you and long to be with you and help you about the care of the Family. I received a letter from you by the last Steamer stating that you all continued well for which I am thankful. The German that you spoke of in Co K is here in this camp. I saw him yesterday he is well. 3 of our musicians are here waiting for the Regt to start for home. Most of the Boys are tired and sick of the service and anxious to get home to their Wives and children. Well my darling I am not much of a fighter but that is not my duty and I want to get home too bad to go where there are too many Rebs.
Hoping that I shall be home before long I remain your loving Husband
J. D. Bishop
