Glimpse of Life in Claiborne Parish

There's a letter from J.N. Thompson, Co. L, 12th Louisiana at War Between the States. The letter from Thompson is quoted below. Thompson was captured and paroled at Vicksburg. The 12th Louisiana was not part of the Vicksburg garrison but was instead operating out side Vicksburg as part of Johnston's relief army. These were men most likely on detached duty or were sick in Vicksburg hospital. Thompson's letter is auction at War Between the States.

State of La., Claiborne Parish, May 29, 1864

Dear Father, Mother, Brothers & Sisters,

I take my pen in hand to write you a few lines to let you know that I am in the land among the living yet. Me & family are tolerably well. Loudia has 4 children, 3 sons & 1 daughter. I was taken prisoner at Vicksburg, Miss. & paroled which I came home & have been home ever since but expect to have to go into camp soon near Minden, La. Our crops are late & looks only tolerably. We are very dry in this part of the country at this time. I wish I could see you all one time more in this life & my prayer is that we will meet on earth again. I can not express the scenes that has come before me since this war commenced. Loudia says tell her mother & father that she is tolerably well & children & wants to see them all & tell them that she is getting along very well considering it being war times. Plenty to eat & plenty to do. I was up to see John McWilliams Family last week. They were well except Robert. He is better than he has been. He can sit up but can not walk yet. He is paralyzed & has been in that fix twelve months. John McMellean is in the army at Camden, Ark. I went to carry Brot. John to his command as he called by to see us & staid with us three days. I left him near Camden, Ark. in ten miles of his command. I must close for this time. We all send our love to you, all & howdy.

Your loving son until death,
J.N. Thompson

Address, Dorcheate P.O., La.

The safe plan to send letters to me is to do this way. Direct your letters to Capt. J.J. Crow, Co. L, 12 Reg. La. Infantry & then Crow forward to me.

• The rosters of the 12th Louisiana do not show a J.N. Thompson. Thompson, though, refers to "Capt. J.J. Crow" which was Captain James J. Crow who took command of Co. L December 17, 1863. Crow's Compiled Service Record (CSR) shows him commanding the company until his furlough in early 1865. SO, we know he was in Co. L despite other records not showing him existing.