On Board Steamer "Imperial"                                   

Missippi River, St. Louis, Mo.                      

July 31, 1863.           

                         

My very dear Wife

                                    We have been transferred from the Alton Packet to the New Orleans Steamer Imperial, and will leave for Helena, Ark., to-morrow about noon.

 

            I have been very busy all day getting my Company all on board, with their equipments, and then transferring from one boat to the other—while my Co has been on guard and I am acting Officer of the Day. I took Capt M^cNaughton's place as Officer of the Day, to allow him to call on some of his St Louis acquaintances.

 

            Nothing has transpired worthy of note I will write you again when we leave. Kiss the dear children for me. I suppose by the time you get this "Innie" will be saying "Papa—teet—tars—way". We are all doing first rate, and all seem well pleased at having marching orders. I saw the furniture men this morning. They promised to call to-day. Did Harry Armstrong take you a present to-day? I saw a nice p. album bought which I guess was for you.

                                   

As ever yours, dearest.           A.W. M^cCormick

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