It is with much pleasure that I seat myself to answer you kind and welcome letter which we received and read with a good appetite yesterday. I have been home on furlough and just returned. Found the boys all well and hope this finds you in the same fix.
We are about six miles form New Orleans on the railroad. I expect our next move will be into Texas. I begin to think if Rosencrans whips Bragg rebeldom will cave.
I can't think of anything to write. I could talk better than write. Tell Jerry if he doesn't answer my letter I shan't never come to see him. Tell Andrew Scott to write me and I will answer his letter.
I wish him much joy. We can get along very well down here. Things are as cheap as they are at home, oranges for nothing.
What Regt. Is N. Youmans in and do you know where they are, and James Canfield.
How are the girls up there? I heard you had or were going to get married but I could not think who it was you were going to marry. How are Evans folks? Give them my respects. You said it seemed I had seen some fighting. I have only been is seven regular engagements yet I have seen all I care about.
Suppose you are getting rich up there. I should like to come up and see you. I think one year will see us all home, hope it will. It is poor business, for the privates at least. We did celebrate the fourth in Vicksburg but the fifth we left there and scared Gen. J. Johnson out of the state of Miss. and I guess it will dry up soon. Give my respects to all inquiring friends and write soon. Direct to Henry Russell Co. G 23rd Regiment Wisconsin Vols.
I remain your friend
Henry Russell.
