I believe that I have no change to make in reference to the buisness matter contained in my other letter, with reference to your prospects for going into business, you will understand better than I can, I think that 40 dollars per month is pretty heavy rent, you will have to engage in a lucative business for it to pay, & as for my furnishing you any thing you know it is uncertain, as I have not been paid anything since we left Burnside, & it is uncertain when we will get anything; it is now the 8th of Jan, we have understood that they dare not defer payment later than the 1st but we begin to think they can do anything.  We are in a tight place.  Well I must quit writing & eat breakfast.  We have fried mush, sasafras tea, boiled beef & crackers, breakfast over, & I hasten to close they are Just about electing our orderly sargent.  I do not intend to try for it or any thing else.  I have not the respect for office or officer, that I had before.  I kew them.
 Afternoon, we were called out this morning by Gen Davidson on review, he kept us out until 1 oclock parading around with our knapsacks on. O what a bore it was to us, too much show & parade.  We have Just got a dispatch stating that Vicksburg is taken by our forces & that they took 15,000 prisiners.  O if it is only true it will certainly shorten this wicked rebellion.  I hope it may be true, then if we can take Fredericksburg & Richmond, it must soon wind up.
 I was surprised to hear of the wedding, (Mr Curran & [Harriet?]).
 I must close.  Give my love to all the friends, tell Cyrus I am anxious to receive a letter or two from him. has he received my letters, I have written 2 - 3 to him, I am your Lyle
