Near Vicksburg, June 8 1863

Lieut Wm H. Jordan

Dear Sir

I have just received your Kind letter dated May 27th which encourages me and the company in the hope of your recovery and my desire to See you again among us in good health.

The balance of Co E is in Hospitals and are --- as far as I can learn --- doing well. You left us in a dark and gloomy time and I Supposed that few would leave that place alive --- but we Shortly after got permition to remove to Millikens Bend and from the time we left Youngs Point the health of the company improved. But Some could not recover and have Since died. I suppose that you have been informed of the deaths that have occured in our co from time to time. . . .

We have Vicks[burg] Surrounded and their communication cut off from every point. We are within 100 yards of their fortifications and are daily closing in our lines.

We drove the entire Rebel force from Port Gibson to the city and whiped them at every point. The 16th took the advance and was constantly in the field and front Fighting all day and doing “Picket duty” at night --- And whent he charge was ordered on the 22ndd we advanced against the fortifications and held our ground till relieved. It was a hot place – and had it not been for our incessant firing we would have all been cut to pieces --- We were within Speaking distance of the enemy and So close that I threw a piece of Shell in among them. Four of our Co were wounded . . . . All are doing well. . .

We will take Vicksburg – unless a large army is Sent to our rear – if so they will be forced to give up other important points – The boys and rebel Pickets talk while on duty. A few evenings Since I was on Picket and after we had been firing at each other all day the rebs quit firing at night and in a little while one came out and asked us to quit firing for they were tired and wanted to get Supper. Another asked us what we were doing – the boys told him that we were guarding Prisoners . . . .

I do not advise you to return untill you are well. . . .

I am yours Respectfully, Jas Stevenson