Correspondence
Captain Jackson V. Parker
June 26, 1862 Vicksburgh
Dear Father,
We now lie just below Vicksburgh in full view of the city. We have about 2500 infantry.
Com O’Arenyet (sp) is here with 40 gun and monitor boats, they are now taking of their positions. The ______________ commences soon.
Hood’s fleet I understand is above ready to commence operations. They also have a large land force. The Rebels they say are from 15-20 thousand strong. They defy us and say they never surrender and wish us to teach them a lesson if we can. Bray and Smith are in command. General Williams commands us.
Charlie is at Fr. Pike and was doing well when I last heard from him. We landed day before yesterday at Grand_____?, routed 1500 Rebels and came near capturing the whole. We got a few and this meal that they were cooking. We burned the town about the size of Pitsford (VT), didn’t leave a building standing. They have fired into our boats for a long time and have killed several men. Where people treat us with respect we return the same but otherwise they must look out.
The Newport Sun (boat?) is going to run the blockade and I must draw this to a close as she starts soon. I am tough as any man.
From your son,
J.V. Parker
Jackson and Charles Parker's letters are provided courtesy of Karen Parker-Galvin, Charles' great-granddaughter.
