In other letters and memoires written by Daniel he discusses how he came down with Yellow Fever in July of 1863. Something also happened to his hand although he never mentions what it was. On July 6, 1863 Daniel was "admitted on the sick list of abscess of hand - it can hardly be called a Felon [writing is hard to read -- a "felon" was a medical term for an abscess on the finger] the [looks like "bd"] gave him great pain. [several words] poultice." In this letter he writes that he has had something on his hand preventing him from writing earlier. The appearance of his handwriting changes in this and all subsequent letters.
I have no doubt but that you have heard all about the surrender of Vicksburg on the morning of the 4th of July. All honor to Gen. Grant and his noble army. Port Hudson surrendered on the 7th. The river is now clear from its source to its mouth. I received the papers containing my time. We left our place of anchorage on the morning of the 9th about eight o.c. and anchored in front of Vicksburg. We remained here a few days and moved down to the mouth of the Red River where we are now doing guard duty. 