Baton Rouge July 28 [1862]

Dear Mother
		There has nothing interesting
taken place, since I wrote you last. I’m 
sure I dont think there ever will be as
long as Gen. William’s has anything to
do with the Department. About all
there is going on is cotton speculation
As Dickey said the other day the
whole Butler family is going to get
rich out of this war. Gen Butler gives
each a man the exclusive right
to buy cotton at such a place, and
of course he can pay what price he likes,
there being no opposition
     Gen. Williams, with that portion
                                                   with
of his brigade which was acting ^ the
fleet at Vicksburg, arrived here Satur-
day. There has been considerable 
suffering and sickness among
them, and a large number
of deaths.

The news from Richmond, to put the
best face on it, is bad enough. It seems to
me as if the war never would end
unless [illegible in original] means were employed
   Six companies of our regiment
went out beyond the Amite river
about 18 miles from here. By forced
marches at night, and by fording
the river, waist deep, they first surprised
a rebel picket and afterward a
few soldiers in camp, who fled
precipitately. Clothing of all kinds
was captured, and dishes, blankets
[illegible on original]. Every house on the way was visited, and
arms taken
   The Essex of Commodore Ellets fleet
came down the river yesterday. She is 
laying at the wharf, but the sun
is really so hot. I couldnt think of
going down, even to see such a sight
   No letters yet from any one. Several
mails have arrived without
any letter or papers for me

There is considerable fun going on
here. Saturday, Gen William’s ordered
us from these quarters. Lt Col
Clark refused to do so. If about
50 or 60 officer’s were discharged
there would be a chance for
the non-com’s
   There was a regular Irish [illegible in original]
in the city Saturday. The police
couldnt manage the [illegible in original]. It was
all among the 9th Connecticut
every one of whom is a “[illegible in original] is
a boy.” Right from [illegible in original]. Having just
came from Vicksburg, they thought
it proper to celebrate the occasion
Captains, Lieutenants, and privates all
joined in the meelee
			Your affectionate son
				Henry Bostock

Mrs. Maria Bostock
       		       of the town of Marshall
in the county of Calhoun and State of Michigan

The officers have come to the conclusion
that it is best to obey orders. So
we’ve got to move



		Mrs. Maria Bostock
			       Marshall
			Calhoun County
				Michigan