[Letter] 1863-03-08 from William Bickham to Elizabeth Bickham (cousin)

1863 March 8 from William Bickham (Camp Mayses Brigade) to Elizabeth Bickham (Franklinton Louisiana) Dear Cousin re: Battle of Fredericksburg and reports his regiment is well. Consoles her on the loss of her Francis. Remarks it is a “wicked war” he had a brother and brother-in-law killed in Tennessee and has been witness to death in all its horrors since he has been a soldier in this troublesome war. Relates battlefield dying, death, the horrors of field hospitals and his personal experience of his brother’s death in Tennessee. Says that rations are scant but the men never grumble and all are resigned to the fate of the war. “There is great rumor of a desolution in the west - some still look for foreign intervention.” “The north threatens us with overwhelming forces and say they will subjugate us in 6 months.” He has long been accustomed to Yankey threats and boasting. Reports that the winter has been moderate accept for a few very cold days and some snow storms. Has moved twice this winter and now at third camp and built very inferior winter quarters, just as they got comfortable would have to move again and poorly prepared in way of blankets - now we have only 2 or 3 blankets and no tents. Now encamped on the Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg - the Yankeys are on the east side and we are on the west side and when we go on picket guard we can see their encampment. “I recon you will be wary [weary?] with this uninteresting scrabble of mine so I will close. Give my love to all the family and Cousin Herself and my respect to the Carroll family.” Write as soon as this comes to hand Lizza. Wm Bickham. [Battle of Fredericksburg fought December 11 to 15, 1862 - Confederates won] [envelope with two 5 cent Confederate stamps addressed to Miss Elizabeth Bickham Franklinton Po Louisiana] [Very large letter measures 24.5 x 38.5 cm and filed separately flat]