General Weitzel and Banks discuss meet and there is speculation on and attack at Bayou Boeuf. Bishop complains of his health due to nervous strain.
Lafourch Crossing La.
March 23rd 1863
Letter #2
Dearest Wife
To day is a stormy disagreeable day and this morning the camp was all in an alarm for an hour or two. there was firing heard up the Bayou and as we have been expecting an attack for some time we thought that it had come sure this time but in about an hour things settled down and we are trying to pass the time as quickly as possible. this morning General Banks and General Wetzel were here at the Depo looking around to see how things looked. we expect squally times here now and we may have to evacuate the road altogether for the want of men to drive the Rebels out of the country beyond Brashear we have evacuated Brashear and our forces are awaiting an attack at Bayou Beff.
War is poor business my dear and is a great hardship for me that is in no better health that I am. my health has not seemed to be as good lately. that is my nervous system seems to bother me a good deal. the life in tents does not agree with me very well and the constant state of excitement seems to upset me but I hope I shall continue as well as I am now until our time is ended and then I can get out of this kind of life for a while. when I feel well I seem to like it or rather I donot dislike it. enough of war
my dear I suppose darling that you feel a good deal of anxiety concerning me but I hope to return safe to take care of you and the children again. I think that the conscription act cannot take us again and I think that I could get a certificate of disability anyhow and I would do it before I would leave home again under the same circumstances. not but what I wish the government to succeed but that I do not think that I can do good enough to pay for the suffering.
My dear I long to be home with you and feel that I have one friend that I can rely on. I think I have kind a got the dumps as everything looks gloomy. but my dear wife I see one bright spot before me and that is to get home by your side with my children in good health and I think I can be contented to stay at home unless I am obliged to go. I did think my dear that the rough life of the service might benefit me but I think that I should be better off with a more quiet life. my dear how I do miss your society and your love and how I wish I could have your sympathy with I feel dumpy. I sometimes feel as ifl would sacrifice everything ifl could only lay my head on your bosom and feel your dear arms around my neck.
My darling I feel that you are my best friend and I hope to be spared to join you in good old Danbury with a good home. do not be alarmed about my loyalty as I hope God will give me wisdom to think and act rightly. give my love to the children and believe that my greatest earthly desire is to be restored to your arms.
from your loving Husband
J. D. Bishop
