Fort Pillow Aug 23^d/61

 

My Dear Mother,

                        I rec'd your letter to day and was glad to hear that all were well at home. Uncle Jno. & myself are both well but I am sorry to say that the health of the Regt is not so good. There are eighty five reported as sick to day, and I am afraid that the number will increase. We are encamped in a hollow & it is very damp—but we expect to move in a day or two. We have no conveniences at all. We have to bring our water about ½ mile & then it is rotten lime stone spring water or river water, too muddy & warm to drink. Besides we have no wagons to haul our provisions as Genl Polk has ordered all the mules up the river. The Q^r Master & Commissary Departments are all in confusion & it is with the greatest difficulty that we obtain anything, but I hope it will be better in a few days. I am not able to say yet what position I occupy here 

 

Uncle Jno sent on his recommendation to L P Walker Secy War without the signature of Genl Polk, saying that if the request was favorably heard from it would be very gratifying to many friends & relations &c whether the request will be granted or not I do not know and I leave it to you & Pa to determine In my present position I need a horse very much but as I want a good one I hate to ask Pa to go to the expense & trouble of buying one on an uncertainty. I will not buy a uniform at least until I have a definite answer. If I fail I know I will have a great deal of trouble in getting a transfer to the Hickory Rifles for it would be a precedent to any one else who should wish to do the same thing. I have a great deal to do here as none of the officers know there duty and they seem to think it the duty of the Adjutant to assist every Department 

 

Tell Pa that I stand very much in need of a horse & that I would like for him to send me one if he thinks there is probability of my receiving a commission as Lt If Uncle Jas Martin has not sold his horse yet & he has improved any send him up.

 

It is said here that Genl Polk intends concentrating ten thousand troops here & if that is the case I think this Regt will remain here for some time I have not heard from Col Smiths Regt since I came up here. I am afraid we have no good Genl up the river but I believe if they give the men a chance they will whip the enemy anyhow.

 

I hope I may here from you & Pa soon, but it is not worth while to send a letter unless by some person coming up. Give my love Pa, Aunt Kate & all at home & believe me

                                                                                                                       

Your Son

D S Donelson

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