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

Alton, Ills., March 6, 1863.

 

My very dear Wife

                                    I received your letter of the 1^st, which you sent by Lieut. Jones, I presume, as it had no stamp on it. I was very glad to get it.

 

            You wish to know what route I think best. Come by railroad, by all means. It will take 18 or 20 hours to come from Cincinnati to Alton. Do not wait to come by steamer, on Monday week, if you can get ready sooner. I would pay the difference to have you here Saturday. I wish you could get here sooner.

 

            I am in excellent health. I hope you will all get here in good health. I will meet you at the cars, and have you come to Mrs. Hayes, on State Street, where I board, and we will stay here till you get rested at least. I do not know but we / can board cheaper than we can keep house. It will not cost me more than six dollars a week, besides what the Quartermaster pays for quarters and fuel, to board all of us. We can get a house and commence house keeping at any time we wish. But do not talk of waiting. I can satisfy you that my course is all right, when you come.

 

            I want you to be sure and write the 2d. day before you start, and tell me just when you will be here. If you get delayed on the road, telegraph me from Indianapolis or Terre Haute, the time the conductor says you will reach Alton, so I can meet you at the depot.

 

            I must close, in order to get this in the mail, this evening.

 

            My regards to the friends, and my best love to you, dearest, and the sweet little ones.

 

1000 kisses.                            

 

As ever yours

A.W. M^cCormick

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