Original Civil War letter talking about the first hand experience of capturing Vicksburg!
Near Vicksburg June 12th 1863
Q.M. Office 29th Wis
Dear Friend,
An answer to your letter was written just before leaving Helena and was kept from mailing when we moved down the river because I did not know but our troops were to unite with Banks. During our marching and fighting around Vicksburg, our Desk in which was the letter, was away from us. For this reason I am so delinquent in answering your note. We have been through all the marching of Grant's Army in surrounding Vicksburg, and in two of the five battles he has fought in which our regt lost killed, wounded, and missing nearly 200 men.
We now form part of the line that surrounds Vicksburg and have been behind the Rebels works since the 20th of May. Vicksburg has been closely honed in since that time and must soon fall. Business forbids me writing more now.
Please excuse my delay in writing.
Your friend
John P. DeMerit
Q.M.S. 29 Wis.
1st Brig 12 Div 13 Army Corps
Near Vicksburg. Miss