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C h a p t e r 6 Copperheads Are as Still as Mice June–December, 1864 Throughout the second half of 1864, Pvt. Haven dealt with a host of health issues, including smallpox and constant diarrhea. As Haven recovered, his regiment participated in Gen. A. J. Smith’s expedition to Tupelo, Mississippi (and its corresponding battle on July 14–15, 1864) and then on to Oxford, Mississippi, in August 1864. In September, the Iowans pursued Gen. Sterling Price, who raided large portions of Missouri and eastern Kansas. The 27th Iowa marched through Arkansas and Missouri, and then joined Gen. George Thomas and his army at Nashville, Tennessee, to protect the city from Confederate Gen. John Bell Hood’s invasion. From June to October, Haven recovered from a mild case of smallpox in Vicksburg, spent some time in Memphis, and then returned to Iowa and spent time at Camp McClellan, in Davenport. Haven moved to St. Louis, the base of operations for his regiment, which was out fighting at Jefferson City, Missouri, in October. Although Haven was with the 27th Iowa for the Nashville campaign, he missed the battle due to nagging health issues. He used his correspondence with Jane to discuss the reelection efforts of Abraham Lincoln and the prospects of Union victory. As William T. Sherman captured Atlanta and marched to the sea, Philip Sheridan controlled the Shenandoah Valley, and Grant kept Lee in check at Petersburg, Virginia. Smallpox Hospital at Vicksburg, June 2, 1864 Dear Jane, I did not have anything to write to you after we got out of the Red River, but sent a letter that I had written before and as it is so long since you have heard from me, I expect that you begin to think that there is something the matter. Our boat was fired into two different days coming down from Alexandria, but nobody [was] hurt and the boat only hit three or four times. I was taken 137 138 “a punishment on the nation” with a violent headache on the 17th of May and was quite unwell for two or three days. The doctor gave me some medicine, but did not find out what was the matter with me so I was transferred to the Hospital boat Chouteau and we got to this place the 24th, and I, with seven others, was sent to the smallpox hospital to get well, which I am ding quite fast. My scabs are most all dried up and picked off. I have only had to take two doses of oil, and now my bowels are regular, and I have a good appetite and plenty to eat. I am on half rations, which is beef soup and a slice of bread and fruit, either dried apples or grapes. I have tea and coffee with milk in it and sugar if I want, so you see I have plenty of that that is good to eat and am doing finely. I don’t know how long I shall have to stay here, probably two or three weeks yet as they don’t let them leave as soon as they got over the smallpox, but keep them till they get strong. I shall not have any scabs on me after a day or two longer, but am quite weak, although I set up and whack around the most of the time. The hospital is in quite a pleasant place, about three miles from town, and lots of apples and peaches growing all around. I expect that the regiment is paid or will be before I join it so that I shall not get any pay till July. So you will have to get along the best you can. I have not had any mail from you for some time. I expect that one mail was burnt on the City Belle below Alexandria and why I have not got any since I don’t know. The last date was March 27th. I got the same time with the pictures. I don’t expect to stay here long enough to get a letter from you so you must still direct to the regiment. With love and kisses to you all, I close for this time. From your affectionate husband, Silas W. Haven. General Post Hospital, Vicksburg, June 10th 18641 Dear Jane, I suppose you by this time are anxious to hear how I get along so I will write you a few lines to let you know that...

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