Headquarters 162nd Regiment
Camp Parapet, LA January 26th, 1863

Dear Father,
Both your and Mothers letters arrived to day and although late, I intend writing a few lines before going to bed. Our weather here has been beautiful, so warm that a walk in the middle of the day is uncomfortable. Residents are now making up their garden with lettuce, radishes, etc. can ?????? now in plenty. To day I saw pea vines 2 1/2 ft. high so you can form some idea of what a southern clime is in the winter month of January. I have not seen Ed, he has gone down to Galveston in chase off the Alabama.

I have been to New Orleans but twice since being here. The last time I had not time enough to spare to call on Aunt Janett but will do so when I go again.

If you have anything to send, let it come by Adams Express and they write us when anything arrives at New Orleans. Gen Bowell is here and has been appointed Provist Marshall (General of Louisiana, a post which I think him eminently filled for). Col Benedict still remains in command of the troops at Camp Parapet and Gen Emory, whose Division we are in informed him yesterday that we would remain here some time. When the weather is pleasant our camping ground is very nice but after a heavy rain everything is flooded and LA mud is worse than Virginia any day. I hope you will be able, Father, to sell my horse for I have bought one here of the Quarter Masters Dept for $75 - a very fine horse as good a one as I want any day. Should John send him on and I have a good opportunity to sell I would do so for I do not want two horses while lying still in camp. All the papers arrived safely and will furnish reading matter for sure until next mail. They are very acceptable and hope that you will keep sending them.

Enclosed I send ten dollars ($10) which will help you some. Our Regt. have not yet been paid off for November and December but we expect it soon. Love to all.

Your Son,
James H. Bogart