Lo[?] April 21, 1862

 

Friend Robison

                        Some time has elapse since I rec^d your very welcome letter asking a general out line of what was being done or passing events. At the time it came to hand nothing of intrest had taken place so I concluded to postpone an answer for awhile that I might be able to tell you something that probably you may not have the means of learning at home The Battle at Pea Ridge was a defeat of the Federal arms from the best information we can get (which has not been very bad) The conduct of Gen Curtis since the fight proves it Why has he not advanced if he got the best of it, but not so, on the contrary / he retreated seventy miles The South claim it as a great victory The last fight at Pittsburgh Tenissee has no parolell in modern war fare

 

I see your papers give the Federal loss at some 400 killed & 1500 wounded but not so with the Mo Democrat of St Louis she gives the killed & wounded at from eighteen to twenty thousand which is certainly not very far from the mark I saw an officer this morning from Keokuk Ia who said he lost every man in his Company Two steam boat loads have passed up the river by us (I mean loads of the wounded) for points above every city being crowded with them from Cincinnati Ohio to St Louis. We are looking for a shippment to our place daily. The number of prisners lost taken by the South is not correctly known Bauergard / wrote on sunday of the fight that he had taken over eight thousand since that time we have heard nothing from him except that which has been told us by prissoners. A Capton stated before the Provost Marchal that they (the Confeds) took eight thousand Cavelry the next day (Monday) I know on Tuesday was telegraphed to Quincy that the Cavelry had not been heard from and the idea prevailed for a time that they had gone on to taken Corrinth But a day or two later was stated that the roads were so muddy that the horses could not travle hense after persuing four or five miles turned back So if that is correct the Feds lost 16000 prissoners. It is not believed here that the Confeds lost more than 300 prissoners at Island No 10 & they were only left there to prevent Pope / coming to reinforce Grant at Pittsburgh there will be a tremendous fight at Corrinth in a few days Every man that can be spared is being sent there on both sides God knows how it will end. We have no local news of an intresting character that I can think of Your relatives are well as far as I have been We have a very great abundance of water hereabouts the [?] bottom is overflowed & still rising

 

            Write me again soon tell me all about things generally what the prevailing idea in regard to the war

 

Men are brought in from the country every day & made to take the oath besides giving a bond for all they are worth & as much more with two securities that they will not by word or deed give aid to the Rebelion A great many have done this thing & many more are refusing I know not what will be done with such. I have not been interupted as yet Why any black hearted scamp could appear against one & be the means of having your all taken from you To sum all up in a word I think the country is ruined to all intence & purposes                                

 

I am very Respectfully Your friend

A M Van[?]

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