I though that this viewpoint on the fall of Arkansas Post from the prespective of a south Arkansas Soldier would be of interest to somebody.

Edward Reap was a private in Company "D" of the 9th Arkansas Infantry writing to his mother Rachel Reap and Father Jonas Reap of Bradley Co. Arkansas.

January 24, 1863

Camp near Grenade, Mississippi

Dear Father and Mother;

I, this evening, take my pen in hand to write you a few lines as I have a good way of sending it to inform you all that I am well & harty(hardy) as a buck, hoping those few lines may find you all enjoying the same blessing.
I have no news of importance to (w)rite to you that will interest you. We have gone into regular camp now We have built chimneys to our tents and the boys have put up a good many cabbins(cabins). We have all of our wood to hall(haul) some little distance but we can get prety(pretty) plenty of it by going after it. Our water is not very good. We got it from wet weather springs. We have been paid off once more for two month(s). Well Ma their(there) is greater talk of peace, but I dont(don't) know any thing(anything) about it, but I am in hopes it is not far off. Major-General Rust started to Richmond this morning, but I am not able to tell you his business. The soldiers are all in good spirits a(t) this time and in good health also.
Now turn over------
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Ma , I heard that Ark(nasas) Post is gone up the spout which I suspect is so but I am in hopes that is not. It is reported that the yankeys(yankees) whipped our men their(there) and taken 3,000 men prisoners. The yankeys(yankees) are coming over every day or two. Their(there) war(were) 29 come into town the other day & yestarday(yesterday). Their(there) was 4 more went past our camp with one leiutenant. They said they was taken at the mouth of the White River. He said they was all leaving their(there). Their(there) was one said he had been wanting to come to see our boys a good while. He said we was a pretty good looking set of fellows. He was going along by him self enquiring the way to town. I will quit till I eat my supper.

Well Ma as I am just off of a big plat(plate) of ly(lye) homony & poark(pork) I will (w)rite a few more lines. These yanks says their officers don't think their(there) will ever be peace made by them with us. They say they just want to get back home once more and old Abe will never get them out again. They say they want to be parolled and get out of the war. They say us boys has a good cause to fight on.

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Well Ma Leiutenant Lee is going home for the purpose of bringing the boy(s) that belong to this regiment. He will call on Rich to come with him and if he is able to come I want you to send me my hat that I left their(there) if it is not in use. We cant(can't) get any hats here only as we draw them and then they are old wool hats. You can spit through them and if we buy one we will have to pay 15 to $20 for it.
So nothing more at present. I remain your son until death.

Right(write) soon
Edward C. Reap
Rachel Reap

I will send you $15 to you for your use