Baton Rouge La. April 26^th 1864

 

            Dear Father & friends

                                                Although I have not heard from Durant since Jan. I still have hope that tis not your fault. during the time our Old Regt was at home on furlough our mail was retained in Indiana I left Matagorda Island the 17^th, come to New Orleans, there found our Lt Col Hays. he wanted me to come here to Baton Rouge before I went back. I arrived here on Sunday, found most of the Old Regt back from Ind. Capt Hinkle my old QM is up on Red River Our Regt looks well. they have a great many recruits. the regt now number about 1700 men.

 

there are 12 companies with one captain & 4 Lieuts to each co at present 2 Majors 1 Col. 1 Lt col. My business here in this department was to be mustered as 2^d Lieut in Co "L" where I have been acting since Nov 18^th, the time I received my commission from Gov Morton. I had to go to Matagorda before I could be mustered and hence could get no pay but now I shall get some money when I get to New Orleans My Commission dates Oct 21^st. I draw pay as Lt from Nov 18^th

You may consider me a soldier again for 3 years more. I may get home on leave of absence this fall. I am just waiting for the first steamboat to take me to New Orleans where I must remain a day or so then away to Texas. 

 

Our forces have had quite a fight up on Red River and many of the troops have been called from Matagorda Island Texas, but I think Co "L" will remain there for some time.

 

It will be rather tedious in hot weather, but such is war. I have not heard from Deb in a long time in fact from no one. I shall have more time to write you when I get to Texas—My love to all

 

Your Son

RHCrist. Co "L"

 

address                       

1^st Regt Ind Heavy Artillery

New Orleans

La

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