Dear Minerva

     I am having so little to do that to occupy my time I am writing to you oftener than I have anything of interest about which to write.
    I am still here with about 70 convalescents The Regt is still in the neighborhood of Jackson, I received intelligence today that part of our Division had incautiously approached some rifle pits near Jackson and had suffered considerably But our Regt was not in the Engagement [i.e., assault on Jackson, Misssissippi, 12 July 1863] but was held in reserve But one Regt of our Brigade was in the fight It was the 28th Illinois. It suffered greatly. Capt Farewell the husband of one of the Illinos ladies that went up the river with you was killed [i.e., Capt. Gladden L. Farwell, Co. D, 28th Illinois Infantry] That Regt lost near 80 men The rebels are fortified in and around Jackson and farther fighting is Expected
     I made an Excursion into the country today in search of Figs. some six miles from here I found them in abundance. The Fig tree grows very much like a quince stalk Quite a number of shoots put up from one root They grow very crooked and ill shaped. They are very prolific bearers. The figs are on the stems almost as thick as a cluster of grapes. They seem to ripen for a considerable period for where I gathered today some were very ripe and others beside them not half grown

I find all kinds of fruit Except the fig quite scarce There are some peaches. They are generally green and of an inferior quality. Apples are very scarce. I am astonished that more attention is not given to the cultivation of the peach It would do well in this climate. A person has but to be denied it to appreciate it as a luxury. Indeed I think it unsurpassed, and I want you if you can get help to get along with it to put up more than you usually do. If I should live to get home I promise myself a luxurious time living on fruits that I am almost totally denied here. By the way If you can get any person to dress the ground around the fruit trees north of the house have it done. But have it done cautiously so as not to cut the small roots
     Mr Curry started from here about a week ago to Indiana with the soldiers money. I sent $250.00 by him It is to be left with Mr Allen If he has no oppertunity of sending it out to you
    I have had no letter for some time. Our mail all goes to the Regt. and I doant Expect to get a letter until I get with the Regt
no more tonight
     Remember me to all

Your affectionate Husband
George Thomas