Dear Wife
I am happy to have a few moments of leasure again & I will improve them by writing a few lines to you to inform you that I am well at present & hope this may find you enjoying the same Blessing of God. Since I wrote to you last we have again changed Camp. Yesterday morning we got orders to march immediately. Rumors were plenty as to where we were going. Some said we were to go to Pennsylvania others said not. After we started they were all mistaken & we came up here. You will wonder what became of the Rebels as the last time I wrote we were expecting a Battle, at any moment. Well I will tell you, as near as I can, on Friday they began to fall back & at the same time they made a great show. On our left our Cavalry followed them up yesterday & they fought their rear Guard all afternoon. Today there is Heavy fighting going on nearly all day between the Cavalry. I expect we will fall back to Halltown pretty soon, again. There is a great deal of Maneuvering around in this Department. But there is a decided improvement in this Department since General Sheridan has taken Command. Our old Gene-Commanding our Division “Old Pap Ricketts” as we call him is in clover!! now he has his wife here with him. She is a right fine looking Woman. I think the danger is not very great or he would not have let her come into this Rebel Hole!! I wish I could have you here too, for awhile. It would make time pass away faster too. Well we are going in on the corn pretty Strong again & we are Compelled to use a little more just now than we would if our Rations were not somewhat Short. There has been news here from General Grant that he has whipped the Rebels Like Blizen at or near Petersburgh. I only hope & pray it may be true. May God Grant us Victory quick & Desire that this Cruel War may come to a close & enable us to return to our homes & Familys, is my Prayer to Him. Today the Great Copperhead Party have their Convention at Chicago & we will soon know who is to be the great Leader of the so called Peace Party. Really only a new name for Secession & Treason. I wish only he may be Defeated until he is a good man then I would not care if he was elected. But away with all peace men. I am for Abraham Lincoln & Andrew Johnson. As strong as ever the so called peace party are not Honest. We are for Peace too But not a dishonest peace as they are willing to have. Why the Rebels themselves would not accept of such a Peace. We have had a good deal of rain here since we came up here first & it is nice & cool at this time. Our Boys are well at this time & everything about as usual. John “Just”? is well enough to get along without carrying a Gun. I will now close for this time. Please & write soon. & my God Bless you all & keep you safe & in Health, is my Prayer.
Of your Affectionate Husband
Jacob Bushey
A kiss to you
Lydia A. Bushey