Camp Near Jackson Miss.
			July 14th, 1863.

Dear Mother
	Your very welcome letter of June 29th was received
a few days ago, and would have answered it immediately but
have been so bussy that I hardly have time to eat my regular
meals. Since writing to you last I have been on quite a long 
march. It was on the first day of this month that our
division was ordered forward from Jackson; we marched 
as far as Clinton about 12 miles, and rested until next 
morning when we moved again to Bolton, 6 miles further
where we rested a day, and moved forward 6 or 7
miles further in the direction of Vicksburg. We were
to [carry?] through a train of about 200 wagons of provision
for the garrison of Vicksburg. Gen Johnston was bringing
all his forces to attack Grant so we could get the
provisions through, but I am sorry to say we were just
too late. We only remained part of the night at our last 
stopping place, then we were aroused and ordered to fall
in. To our surprise and regret we made a counter march
and took the road back to Bolton. It was soon reported
that Vicksburg had fallen, that Pemberton had capitulated
and many were the curses that were heaped upon 
his head by the soldiers as they unwillingly
retraced thier steps towards Jackson. Johnston was
too slow, Pemberton it is said could hold out no
longer, his provision gave out. It is a great loss to the
Confederacy. We had a severe march back to this
place. The Sun was so hot and the roads very dusty.
I was in advance of the army, with the wagon
trains and was not so hurried as the rest. I could
stop on the road when I got tired, and rest myself
but for all this it was too much for me. I walked
so much in the hot sun, until, when I got to the city
I had a hot fever, and was sick two or three
days but I [smudged] got well again. Our army is now
in Jackson, behind the batteries, and the Yankees
are in front; they have been fighting now for two
or three days. The Yankees have got some heavy siege
guns in position, and are now shelling the city. Nearly

every body has moved out, and there is nothing there
now to hurt except the houses. 2 companies of our regiment
have been in an engagement with a force of the Yankees
and acted very bravely. They killed a good many Yanks
and took quite a number of prisoners, without loosing a
man themselves. They captured a Yankee flag, and a good
many swords and guns. Our brigade is on the left
of the fortifications, and most of the fighting has
been on the right and centre. I think Johnston will
make a stand here, because he has had large
quantities of cotton hauled in to make breastworks.
He is going to fight the Yanks as old Jackson did
the English at New Orleans, behind the cotton bags.
I have not been with the Regt Since the fighting begun. I
am with the wagon train about 2-miles in the rear, where
I issue rations to men who are detailed to cook for those
in the intrenchments. 2 men are detailed from each Company
and I tell you they are kept pretty bussy. I hardly get
time to write a letter now, and besides have no [strikeout]
conveniences to write with. I am not seated upon the
ground, my paper resting on the bottom of a tin pan
which serves for a writing desk. I am very fortunate
in getting hold of this idle tin pan, for they are in used
most all the time. I never knew how I could live until
now. I sometimes travel all day, and stop at night to
issue rations to the men, which takes me nearly all night
and at last when I do get through, just spred my blanket
on the leaves or grass, lay down and sleep soundly until
the morning when I get up early feeling as well as if I had
slept upon a feather bed, in the finest house in the State.
This morning when I woke my blanket was wet with the
dew, and yet I had slept comfortable. I never am troubled 
with a bad cold or tooth ache here. And yet after all this
what a trifling thing will sometimes kill a man. I think in
a few days there will be a great battle fought here, and if Johnston
is reinforced he will hold the place against any odds. The
men and the people generally have great confidence in Gen. Johnston
and will expect more from him than from any other Gen.
The Soldiers had no confidence whatever in Pemberton, and now
he is censured, and they most all believe that he sold Vicksburg

to the Yankees. I think though that Pemberton done the best that he
could and that others are to blame for not aiding him soon
enough. The prospects of the Southern Confederacy at the present
time is rather discouraging but still we should not give up the
struggle yet a few days may turn the current of events and we
may be sailing with fair wind, an unclouded sky, and bright
prospects ahead. I am getting so tired of this war and am
anxious to get home with you all again. How we would enjoy a
peaceful home again, with friends and relatives around us again
we would certainly appreciate all this. I pray God that we may
all soon be permitted to meet again around our firesides at
home. You need not feel uneasy about me now, the position
which I hold compels me to be away from the battle field
and I am in no danger unless I force myself into it. I am
sorry that Isaac cannot be exchanged. I do not see why they keep
them so long, other prisoners have been exchanged since they were 
taken and it is strange that they should be kept so long. Why
don’t Mr. Sterling write I wonder!                         As soon as
things get a little settled here again I will send you some
money. The Quartermaster is owing me over $100, now, and I 
want to send the most of it to you as I do not want so much
in Camps, and you may need it. I will get it as soon as
this fracas is over, and will let you know when I send it.
	At the present time mail communication from 
this place is stoped by order of the commanding Gen. We receive
the mail but cannot send any from here. I will write this
and try to get some one to mail it at the next station. I
may have to keep it on hand for some time.
	We get a plenty of green corn here from the planta-
tions around us, and there is a good deal of fruit near about us.
I have not seen a watermellon since I have been out here
I would like mighty well to get a good ripe one,
there must be a great many about Savannah now.
Do you have any up to Woodstock?
	It is reported here this morning that Charleston
has been taken by the Yankees. I hope it is not true; there
is always so many reports circulating that one knows not 
what to believe.                  I received a letter from
Ellen Rackleff last week. I was very glad to hear from 
her, and will answer her letter as soon as I possibly

can. I have heard from Lizzie and Sue lately, they
were both well. I have received all of Nancys
letters.    There is no news of any importance to write.
I hope in my next I will be able to speak of something
better than a retreat. Write soon. Direct your letters to
Jackson. Give my love to all the folks. I hope that
Grand Ma will get well again soon.
	I remain your affectionate Son
				John H. Flood
				Co H 47th Regt
					[illegible]
			Jackson
				Miss

P.S. I have just received 2 letters, one from [illegible in original] the other from Sue. I will answer them soon. Capt Ashley [A.L.M.?] will carry this to Brandon and mail it for me

						JHF