| 1863-05-08 | Camp near Middlebury [Middleburg], Casey Co., Ky. |
| Camp near Middlebury, Ky. May 8th 1863 Dear Parents This pleasant afternoon finds me trying to write you a few short lines in answer to your kind and welcome letter of the 28th inst. We are still in camp on the Green River and no sign of moving yet though we know not how soon we may be ordered out. We may lay here for several days or may possibly stop for a week or two. When we stop at one place we never know when we shall go on or back but it seems the Rebels are not very plenty in Kentucky. If they are they do not make themselves very numerous just now. Genl Walford, formerly Col of the 1st Kentucky Cavalry, had a brush with the Rebs a few clays ago and drove them from their position with the loss of one man only. We are constantly receiving good news from Hooker and his army. I hope he will follow up every advantage until the army of Va. is completely annihilated and if Genl Rosecrans attacks them from Murfreesboro at the same time I think our armies can hardly fail of success. But I am heartily glad that the 9th AC is out of the Army of the Potomac. Let those wear laurels of honor by hard fighting that wish to. I am satisfied with what we have already gained. It is not pleasure to me to kill any one though we are obliged to do the best we can when called upon to defend our noble flag. There is nothing of importance going on in this part of the country at present but I do not know how soon we shall meet the foe. If they undertake to invade this State again they will find us ready to give them the warmest reception they have ever rec'd in this state. I do not know as I have anything more to write at present. Give my respects to all enquiring friends but the greatest share to yourselves. Write soon to your ever Affectionate Son J.D. Strait Ethan and Julania Strait | |