They are within eight miles of Carthage and it's likely that they will soon cross the river below Vicksburg. John says that two or three 'transports' have managed to run the blockades and between six and eight gun boats too. He hopes that this is true and that the Rebels are fleeing from Vicksburg as quickly as they can.

He's sending another five dollars home and once again mentions the boots which cost him ten dollars. He says that they are needed because it's so wet beneath their feet. He believes that half the lads lose their health through carelessness.