Head Quarters 77^th Regt. O.V.I.

Alton, Ills., Feb 19, 1863.

 

My dear Sweet Wife

                        Your welcome letter of the 15^th reached me this morning in better time than usual. It is too bad that our letters are so long on the way usually. Guess they don't always get started as soon as written. I have now got to taking my letters to the Post Office myself, and I think that will hasten their arrival in the good city of Marietta somewhat.

 

            I would be so glad to be with you, and when you say, "I can hardly stand it any longer" having me away from home, I feel like resigning at once. Still I think I ought to stay in the Service, if I can aid my country in these "times that try men's souls".

 

            You say Lynn is getting along so well, and growing so finely. How I would like to see the little pet, and get a whole shower of his sweet little kisses. Don't let him forget "Pa" while I am / away from home—I want him "to know me well—and love me"—when I get "home again".—Kiss him and the other children lots for me.

 

            You say "It seems our lives are wasting, being separated" and that you miss your kisses and hugs so much. You cannot miss them more than I do, dearest; and I have made up my mind that we must be together, if possible. If I stay here—and it seems probable our Regiment will remain some months in Alton—I want you to come West. I think the Small Pox will have run its course soon, and then you can come with safety.

 

            Capt. Sisson, Lieut. Hildebrand, Lieut. Smith, Lieut. Richner have all had the varioloid as have also Orderly Fleming of Co D, James M Blower of my Co. and many others of the 77^th. All I have mentioned are now well, and none of them will be marked much if any.

 

            I am glad you and the children are so well. I feel rejoiced every time I read one of your letters to know that you all have good health. Lynn is now a large boy—almost two years old—and of course you don't nurse him now. He's a boy not a baby. Guess he "sleeps with the boys" and Emma with you. 

 

You say you allow me to wait on the ladies as much as I please, but it must not hinder me from writing to you. It certainly does not, dearest. I believe I write you two letters to one that any other officer in the Regiment writes his wife. I love my darling Alice too well to neglect to write to you. I think, when my letters all reach you, I will be considered a good boy.

 

            You write that when I get home you will put both arms around my neck, and "kiss me just as pretty". I think that would be nice—well worth coming home for. As the Frenchman said about the Mayor's daughter, "it makes de water come in my mouth", just to think of such bliss. Didn't we have a good time during the "thirty days leave" I got on my way from Dixie? I hope soon to have you with me, and then I will be so happy.

 

            I was at the "Sociable" again last night. The officers of the 77^th took the shine as usual. Capts. Stevens, M^cCormick, Robinson and Ross, and Lieuts. Scott, M^cNaughton, Burris, Smithson and West were there. I had two young ladies at once to promenade / with part of the time Deacon Dow's daughter and Miss Kate Avis. I asked them if I should not introduce one of them to another gentleman, so they could have a beau each. Miss Dow said I might introduce Miss Avis, and Miss A. said I might introduce Miss D—but both said they would stick to me. You've heard some of "our girls" at Marietta "carry on" in that, haven't you? I took Miss Robbins home—young lady with bright eyes and a shower of curls like you were once. She is called pretty, but she don't equal my darling Alice in beauty. Nor did one in the house—though it was filled with the beauties of Alton.

 

            Miss Gray and Miss Willis are coming from Upper Alton to spend the evening with Miss Dow. She was up to see them, and Miss Gray told her she had got acquainted with me at the Union Aid Society's Sociable and hoped I would come up and see them. So Miss Dow invited me and Lieuts. Scott and M^cNaughton to come and spend the evening at her house to-night. Miss Willis says she wants to beat me playing chess. Guess she can't do it.

 

            I wrote to Belle and Augusta both last week. Shouldn't wonder if they show you the letters before you get this. You insisted on my writing to them—now don't let them neglect to answer.

 

            My kind regards to all the friends. I send you any amount of hugs and kisses. Also to my beloved children.

                                               

As ever, dearest love, yours

A.W. M^cCormick.

 

Send me whole sheets, even if you don't fill more than three pages.

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