Hospital Near Vicksburg, Miss., June 11, 1863.

Dear Father and Mother Decker:

I embrace this opportunity to let you know that I am in good health for which I am thankful 
to the Giver of all good. I hope this will come to hand and find you all enjoying the comforts 
of life and Religion. I received a small letter from you and Emily while on our march around 
and neglected answering it. You must excuse me as I have had much to do since that time. 
I am now waiting on my friend, Keynon, who lost his arm the first day of this instant. This is 
the 23rd day of the fight here and it still goes on. This has been more or less fighting every 
day and night.

We have Vicksburg completely surrounded. It must, sooner or later fall into our hands. 
The eyes of the nation are now turned on us and all ears open to hear the results at Vicksburg. 
Many think the rebellion will fall with Vicksburg. I don't think so. If I did my pulse would 
begin to beat high for home. I feel sure that Vicksburg with all it contains, will fall into our 
hands, it is true.  And the fall will be a death blow to secession. The Government is full 
bent to open the Miss. River and open trade again. It is reported that we will be attacked 
in the rear, but I think Grant has made calculations for all these things. We have a large 
army in here and they still keep coming.

There is a very intelligent lady here, late from Illinois, visiting our hospital. She informs us 
that there are three divisions just come down. One of Rosecrans army. I understand those 
troops are to go to the rear. I haven't been on the field here since the first day of the month, 
but we are only a short distance to the rear. The Rebels have thrown shells clear beyond 
us. It would be very dangerous here if they shot half as much as we do. There is nearly a 
continual thunder of our artillery. Our gun boats and morter boats throw some powerful 
shells in and over the town, and the Rebels forts. They throw them all through the night. 
When the shells burst, they crack as loud as any thunder. Sharp shooting with small arms; 
continually goes on all around the lines.

Now, Father Decker, I shall not attempt to give you any history of our fights from Grand Gulf 
around here, as I have written about them to Rachel and others and you can hear from them. 
It is reported here now, that Banks has got Fort Hudson surrounded just as we have this 
place. We did hear, some time ago, that Fort Hudson was evacuated, but that was not the 
case. I guess some troops left there, probably to re-enforce here. This army has been 
blessed with the greatest success since the first of May, of any during the war. We whipped 
the enemy at every point and drove them in here. In fact, I believe Grant is the best General 
in the field. If he succeeds here, as it is likely he will, it will be a great star in his crown. 
Pemberton is the Rebel General commanding in Vicksburg. It is reported that Jeff Davis's and 
Beauregard's wives are both in Vicksburg now. If we get them. I reckon we will have to send 
them up north to live with you folks.

The 49th is back at Black River Bridge, 12 miles from here. I was out there last week and styed 
all night with the boys. It was nearly like being at home to meet with the boys after being 
separated awhile. I think soldiers that live to get home, will be powerful fellows to visit.

We have had tolerable favorable weather up to this time. It rained hard here yesterday and last 
night and made it a little disagreeable on the wounded who are out in the open with nothing to 
shelter them but some brush loose planks over head to keep the sun off, but we crowded the 
most of them in some houses near by. I slept under the floor last night myself. The weather is 
fine today and a good breeze.

Our wounded are sent up the river as fast as possible. There are a lot of one leged and one 
armed men here. It is the most confining work I ever did to mind the flies off of wounded men 
and the scent is very disagreeable. Many die from the want of attention. I have given friend 
Keynon close attention and he will soon be able to send up the river, so, enough of that.

Now, Brother Decker, one year ago today, I wrote you a letter from Livington, Ky. Since that 
time, I have had many trials and cares to contend with. I have seen an end to many things and 
friends, but, from some cause, I am here today. I feel like I would be very ungrateful, indeed,
not to be thankful to God. But I am sorry to say, that there are many who do not seem to respect 
God nor their character or friends at home. A poor wounded man went so far the other day, as 
to say that God was not a just God. Men will curse and swear and death staring them in the face 
and many die in this condition. O wretched thought. Now, Father Decker, I feel more determind 
if possible today, to live religious than when I left home. I believe I can truly say that I have 
gained some in grace. I have been blessed many times in secret prayer. That is a privilege that 
the poor soldier can enjoy at all times, thank God.

Now, I will have to hasten to close. I want you to answer this letter and give me all the news and 
let me know how you are getting along with my old farm and do the best you can for yourself and 
my family. But, I believe you will do that. Write soon and direct in care of Capt Patterson, Pioneer 
Co.13th Army Corp. Via Cairo.

Yours Respectfully David S. Morgan to John Decker and family.
	
* as always, I do not correct the spelling or change the text.