Helena, Ark. May 26^th 1863

 

Dear sister                  

As I have received two letters from you since writing I will now try and answer one or both of them I cannot say that I am well now and I am going to tell you just how I am all that ails me now (and that is enough) is that I cannot speak a loud word I do not think it is a cold it seems to be a kind of a disease of the throat that is going through the army for there is some four or five in our Regt that is in the same way one fellow has not spoken a loud word in three months but I dont think I am going to be so bad as that I think that I shall get over that in a few days I feel very well other ways onely that allthough I dont think but what I should feel some better if it was not for that / I am excused from duty by the surgeon every day we ar having very good times here now to what we have had for the last three months the cavalry in this place had a little fight out about eight miles from here yesterday there were 180 of the 8^th kansas cavalry out on a scout when they wer atacted by 800 of the rebel cavalry under [?] our men fell back and sent for reenforcements and as quick as they come up the rebels took [?] for security leaving 10 or 12 killed and as many more wounded on the field the 28^th was called out but did not get there in time to have any fun with them for it could not have been any thing but fun to have seen the poor devils run when they see half their number coming there was 3 of our men killed and about the same wounded and about 40 taken prisoners. Well adeline you say that you have heard that we ar coming to milwaukee well I have heard so to but I guess that is about played out 

 

Well ad as to that dick fellow I have been to see him to day and I think he is on the gain and will get well in the course of time but it will be a long time first the doctor says that as quick as he gets well enough to get home he shall have his discharge Well ad I cannot think of any more to write this time but will write again in a day or two Hoping this will find you all well and enjoying your selves I will now close

           

Write soon and direct to Helena

           

As usual                     

From

Francis P Knowlton

 

To his sister

Miss Adeline Knowlton /

 

tell Father that i sent 25 dollars home by our 2^nd Lieut the other day

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