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Vicksburg Miss. Feb 3rd, 1864
My Dear Father,
Enclosed find two drafts on the SubTreasury New York, drawn in your favor, one sent by William being for one hundred and sixty ($160) Dollars, and one for one hundred and fifty ($150.) Dollars sent by me. Apply the money as may seem best in your judgment. We are both well and drilling every day. You need not expect us home for some time I think. In fact, we know as little about when we will leave as you do. Expect to have about 80 new men in about a week. Some new guns have come down for us from St. Louis, but it is undecided yet what calibre will be given our Battery as there is a battery of 12 pdr. Napolean guns, and another of 3 inch Rifles come, perhaps we get the Napoleans, and perhaps the others, can't tell yet. The great expedition has gone out, and our Division is left to garrison the town, under the command of McArthur. We can't get any forage for the horses, and have to go out every day beyond the lines to pick cane for them. I must go this morning and as the mail is soon to start also I have no more time to write. I am taking care of Capt. Clayton's horse untill
[sic] he comes back. Attended a lecture on Geology last night, by Professor Winchell of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, Mich. It was splendid. We are having good times now, what with our Literary Association, Lectures, Library, and last though not least, Divine Service twice a day on Sabbaths.
Positively, I must stop, or I will not be able to get through the lines
if I do not go with the rest. No more from your affectionate and enjoying himself generally Son,
T.D. Christie
P.S. Love to all, Never felt better in my life than I do now. I must write to the P.M. at Cairo to send along those letters that are waiting for me there. T.D.C.
Was principal on a Debate tother [sic] night, and our side won. Question was, Res, that Love of country wields more influence over the masses than does Love of money. Spread myself of course on [illegible: 3 words], all the wars that have been carried on for love of country, not forgetting the present, showed how much love of country will do in the case of the soldier of the Union, "all that a man hath will he give for his life," and yet we see men in every Battle cheerfully giving life for their country, deduce there from that men think more of country than of possessions. "Hallo, there Christie, are you going out for cane if you are you'd better hurry yourself." Positively "last appearance."
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