Cairo Nov 10^th 1864

                       

Dear Sarah

                                    Though only two days has elapsed the time seems long so I will write the body of a letter & finish before leaving When I got down here I was verry sick with the head ache I was until two Oc then I vomited & got better. I met with a verry kind reception at Mr Websters Office & soon made acquaintance as we had met at the State fair &c before I also met a Mr Chase who was at our house on the farm committee They gave me lodging & took me to their boarding so I am getting along finely The freight has come & I have got it switched down to unload / & I think we will get on board in the morning So I will get off to morrow evry thing is very uncertain It is not like if I were doing business I had full controll of & I doubt not will be rather troublesome to get through but I will stick by this lot & see how I can make it There seems to be no Agent at New Orleans for our State In fact the agents here feel much discouraged here about forwarding anything unless some one accompany the goods as they say they seem to be used as public property after they leave here or Memphis & I presume wors I presume I shall get transportation (IE) carried but not fed which will be considerable as the fare to New Orleans is sixty dollars now So it is as well you did not come Mrs Kent Mrs Ross & / Stewart are all going down or has gone with Howell Moses went on the same boat but how different one in cabin & the other though a far superior man is down among the sheep & cattle dutch & Negroes & dirt though it shines even there But it will not always be so & now no doubt will come sooner as Old Abe is certain for 4 years more Cairo is an awful mud hole a team can haul but light loads Sarah I opened your letter that Amos brought you from your nephew I shall amaze my self in droping him a line as I pass Vicksburg & if I can manage to call on him as I come home if I get transportation for the present I stop for further action;

 

Saturday 10½ Oc Dear Sarah I am still here at Cairo with only the difference of time that / that has passed nearer starting than when I arrived as the goods they are on the side track and we have had the promise a half day ahead to do something for two or three days & to day after noon we are to be told perhaps the same tale of by to morrow we can tell you if we can do anything &c It is truly discouraging to all parties concerned both friends agents & soldiers it is so slow getting things forward yet I am in & will keep trying so far as I can I think I will get them started soon if no farther than Memphis. I know you would like to hear from me so I forward this not knowing when I leave but will write from here or Memphis again write me to New Orleans in a week or 10 days & to Cairo in 3 weeks in Care C W Webster so I will get it on my return

 

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now I close on the margin I remain yours devotedly O Barnard

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