H^d Qurs Co "A" 4^th Batt Pioneers

in camp on the line of the Penn & Ala

R.R. five miles north of Decatur Ala

February 3^rd 1864

 

Major J C Smith

96^th Ill Vol Inft

                       

My dear Sir

                 haveing an opportunity of sending you a few lines by Capt Kemper who has a short leave to visit his Regmt, there now I have just discovered that I have designated you a Major I expect it ought to be Lt Col and I am not so shure but Brig Gen^l. May it soon be is all the harm I wish you or the 96 boys that are with me here the Capt will tell you what we are doing so I need not I will only tell you that we are all well and able to eat our allowance

 

                        I am anxious to know how you are situated and what remains of Co C is the Capt Pollock with you or at home and how are all the Officers of the Regmt is Col Champion with you & Adgt the last I heard of the Regmt the Col was at home also Lt's Vincent More Poole Townsen and Clarkson are they well yet and with you or no

 

                        We are as you will see way down in Alabama beyond the reach of mail carriers / we have not had a newspaper since we have been in this section we however have plenty to do and therefore have no time to be lonesome my own health is quite good and I feel like my self again I trust you will write me a long letter if you have the time I would like to hear from the 96 Ill individually

 

                        Remember me to all the Officers and men also remember Sergt Leo, Holland, Bray, and all the boys here they wish me to give you their best wishes and respects also. Remember me kindly to Mrs Smith when you write again and believe me as ever,

                                                                                   

Very Respectfully

Your Ob^t Ser

W^m M Loughlin

 

PS please deliver the other to

Sergt E L Schooley Co C 96 Ill

W^mML

SOURCES