The "Free Campbell" referred to by Edward in this letter is almost certainly Freeman Campbell of the 124th Illinois Regiment, also from Aurora, Illinois and in the same Regiment as Edward's brother Robert had been and also serving at Vicksburg at the time this letter was written. The Samuel A. Campbell listed next to Freeman is his older brother - both are sons of George W. Campbell, a friend of the Stevens family who signed as a witness on the naturalization document of Edward's father Robert Sr. in 1856 - and also lived in Machias, Maine in 1850 at the same time the Stevens did.
Head Quarters 6th
Division Hospital
Walnut Hill near Vicksburg, Miss
June 29th 1863
Dear Mother,
Your letter came to hand a few days since. And I was glad to hear from you and as I have a few spare moments I will improve them by writìng you a few lines. I'm quite well, and stand the hot climate very well. We are still kept out of Vicksburg, but we live in hopes of getting in thare some day. We give them fight every few days, but we are not gaining ground very fast. We have lost a great many men already and no knowing how many more we will lose before obtaining our point. But I think Rebel loss has been fully as much as ours if not more. Thare is continual cannonading from our side, both from land and water, which must do concíderable damage. They fire their cannons but very little. It may be that they are short of ammunition, but cannot tell. The sharp shooters on both sides keep up a continual firing. I was out to see the Regiment the other day, and it was one continual buss all the time, that is from the Balls, and occasionally a shell would pass by which sounded like the buss of a mill. It may seem rather strange to you, but it is so. A person does not have the fear which I used to suppose they would have. As for my part I did not feel the least alarmed.
I saw Free Campbell yesterday. He looks well. He says has not heard from home for a long time. Young Denny is not hurt. I'm sorry to hear of the death of Emmas husband, but tell her she not take it to heart too much. I will write to her soon. I tell you they keep me quite bussy now what with puting up the medicines and keeping reports and registers of the sick and wounded, not only for our own Regt. but it is for the Division. Dr. Powell has charge of it.
I suppose you have seen Baker by this time. I sent you twenty dollars ($20) (the day before I received your letter) by our Chaplain who was going home. He was to express it from Chicago. Well I must stop. Give my love to all the children. Tell Lydia I will write to her soon as I get time.
Your Affectionate Son
Edward
P.S. Direct your letters E. G. Stevens
Care of E. Powell Surg. 72d Regt.
2nd Brigade 6th Division
17th Army Corps
Rear of Vicksburg
Via Cairo
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