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more victories
I accidently met with Gen. Loring last evening and though I had no introduction to him, we had a long conversation as soldiers always do whether they know each other or not. Of course the principle topic of the short interview was the contemplative move of Sherman.
He may be a very fine young man as far as his gentlemanly qualities are concerned. He did not	seem to me to be a	very	smart	man and
really I should think that	Miss P. could do better	for herself _______
"chacum son gouch". I may be deceived in him. I will try and have an introduction to him soon and will search deeper into his qualities and will mention something 'of him. as soon as I' can.
Hapoleon is with me since the past four or five days he looks well and is enjoying excellent health. Pieri-e is at the hospital.
I hope he will be able to visit home before he returns to his command. I am not as well as I would like to be though	I am	still	doing duty.
I am very nervous and weak	but my apertite is	good	and I	hope soon,
by the kind approbation of Him who controls all that I will be enjoying excellent health again.	Tender my love to Colly Miss Bettie
Tom and all the family (write to me often, let me know all about the wedding and all the interesting news. When do you expect ours to some off. Accept the love and best wishes of
Your Cousin John
H B.
Excuse bad writing I can hardly read it myself and I know it will be very difficult for you to make out. I \ Id not have written ony for the good opportunity by hand to Biloxi
Yours John