Lancaster, Ky May 14/63

           

My dear Mother,

                        I arrived here to my reg't on tuesday the 12^th. I dropped a letter in the office at "Lexington" on monday. We left Lexington on the same day in the forenoon. And took the cars as far as "Nickolasville" a distance of 12 miles, passing through Providence, Hilldale. We stopped at Nickolasville long enough to get some dinner, after which we started on foot for Lancaster, a distance of 22 miles. The day was hot and dusty. We went 8 miles that afternoon riding part of the way on Uncle Sam's teams We camped that night on the bank of the Kentucky River in a lovely spot near Boone's Knob some of the boys camped on the summit of the knob. This Knob is the place where Daniel Boone was treed by the Indians. It is a high precipice on the side facing the river of over 200 ft. I and another got some supper at the house of a secesh Mr / King, at no expence. We enjoyed a sound nights sleep, and arose early in the morning and started on each one starting when he got ready after going a little ways short distance I stepped into a house of a good Union family, and sat down to a good breakfast of hot biscuit, butter, syrup, cold fowl coffee with cream, milk which cost me nothing. After breakfast thanking the woman very kindly, started on and put my traps on a team and rode part of the way. I arrived at Camp Dick Robinson a distance of 7 miles at about 9am. Where I stopped a short time with some of the boys waiting for the rest remainder of the boys to come up and get a few hard tack. The 1^st and 8^th Tennessee reg'ts are camped here. After stopping here a few minutes I started on a piece and waited till the hay train came up when I got on and rode part of the way. This is a magnificent country here in Ky. We passed many splendid farms with the slaves at work, and past some splendid orchards. Reached the reg't at about 1pm. We are camped a mile from / town. I found the boys well and in good spirits. Gill is look first rate Gill says he saw Reub and Charley three weeks ago I was surprised to see Lieut' Clark here as I was not aware he had joined the Reg't. I met Capt' Dudley at Hickman near the bridge across the Kentucky. He was in a coach with Capt' Cogswell and one or two other Officers we had a short conversation He was on his way home on a furlough. I informed him of Father's removal to South Malden. I think likely he will call at Mrs Smith. The 9^th and 6^th are near here across the road. My Co' has had a good deal of marching which I escaped by not being with them. But I will close for the present. William

 

Lancaster Ky May 15/63

           

Dear Sister Father

                        I now sit down to pen a few more lines. I am now out on picket I am not on post yet. We have three or four reliefs. I have not received any letter from home for over two weeks. There are noble cattle here / They have excellent feed. Our Co is not the color Co now it our Co is on the right. I do not think we shall go much farther south than we now are. By consulting the map you can see our position and my route hither. I almost forgot to mention that sunday night while in Lexington the Military Authorities were informed by a Negro that he saw "Morgan" the guerilla enter his house where his Mother resides dressed as a Negro woman They immediately put a guard around the house and searched it but have not found him that I know of I was near the house monday morning it is a pretty house there was a guard around it then The same Negro gave information of a quantity of carbines and swords secreted in a bed they found them as represented, but I do not think of much more at present. From Your affect' Son William

Saturday May 16, 1863

 

            I have just come in from picket. I have a favor to ask of you. I am all out of money excepting a few cents. Wont you please send me two or three dollars to last me till I get paid? And then I can send some home if you wish. You look out and get your allotment from Concord when I get paid. My love to all write when you receive this. from

William

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