News has come today of the fall and occupation of Chattanooga and that Bragg is totally driven out of Tennessee. Lee has been whipped in Pennsylvania and our forces are in his rear. The prospect looks bright for the speedy termination of the damned war. I pray that it may soon close. I hope that I may be there to see when the final triumph of our arms may win for peace and prosperity once more. Thank God for our success and may they continue until not an armed foe may be found on loyal land and those at home who have kept up a fire in our rear. May the curse of an abused army be their heritage in after life. Still at Hospital No.l.
July 7th:
News has just reached us by telegraph that Vicksburg has fallen. Bells are ringing and soldiers are shouting. I pray to God it might be true. Everybody seems frantic with delight. The Rebellion is crushed or virtually so.
July 14th Hospital No. 1:
I learned today of the capitulation of Port Hudson with 18,000 prisoners. Surely the Rebs must be getting discouraged by this time. Its only a matter of time now to close this damned Rebellion. I give them just eighty days to play this thing out in and if it is not done in that time shall get disgusted. My wounded Confederates say that it is all bosh about Vicksburg and Port Hudson but I rather think it true at least I think I see it.
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