Charles Roberts to Maggie Roberts (21 January 1865)

              Columbus, Miss January 21st 1865"
My own dear wife,
When I last wrote you I was camped six
miles from Columbus on the Pickensville road; this was a week
ago yesterday. On the day after I wrote you I reported at this
place to the Hospital in consequence of being afflicted so 
severely with risings that I could neither ride or walk. I am
much better now and as soon as I can get a car to [ship]
the baggage of Stevenson’s Division I shall accompany it, if
nothing prevent, to Augusta Geo - Lee’s Corps is now moving
from Tupelo on the [Cars] to Augusta where I understand they
will be met by Longstreets Corps and probably proceed to
South Carolina - The balance of the army [Cheatham Stewarts]
Corps have no orders as yet that I know of - I presume
they will move to such point as they may be most required."
Genl Dick Taylor is now in command of this army and
Hood retired of his own accord. I have not heard much
expression as to how far this change meets the approbation 
of the troops - There is no doubt they are satisfied as far 
as concerns Genl Hood retiring but I do not think there
is much enthusiasm [in receiving] the new Commander -
The fact is the troops just now are depressed and worn out 
after they have become rested and liberally furloughed I think 
they will again regain their usual [bouyancy]. I can assure you
I am not at all pleased with the idea of going into Georgia 
again, for I have had enough of that state and would much
preferred remaining in Mississippi this winter, but like everything
else in this army, a man cannot do as he wants to but must
do as he is ordered. I think it very probable that the troops
that go to Georgia will not have much rest for Sherman
is going to [crowd things] this winter and there will no doubt
be some severe fighting done."