Duvalls Bluffs

            Aug 24—2 P.M.

We are here—all well.

I write you to-day to M.

 

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

1^st Brigade, 3^d Div. 16^th Army Corps,

                        Arkansas Expedition,            

Glen Dale, Ark., Aug 22, '63.

 

My very dear Wife

                        We got orders to march in 15 minutes, yesterday at 2, and the teams were harnessed, the wagons loaded, tents struck, and the whole regiment was on the move in twenty minutes. Isn't that quick work? We crossed White river on the "Hamilton Belle" and marched five miles to this place—crossing Rock Roe Bayou on a pontoon bridge.

 

            This morning I got two much-prized letters from you, dated Clintonville the 6 & 7^th. I was so glad to hear from you. Dearest love, your letters are my greatest consolation when I am from home. I am glad you write often.

 

            I think you did well to get home with as much money as you said; and very glad you got safely to Ohio. 

 

We captured a rebel Captain yesterday, about 5 miles from here. He was on scout, and got too near our advance guard. He says there is a Brigade of rebels ten miles from here.

 

            We have orders to move so I stop.

 

Well, we picked up our "traps" to move, and the Adjt Genl. came up with orders to halt here, for the present, so, I resume my letter.

 

            I would give your respects to Capt M^cN. as you request but as he has been appointed Provost Marshal, and remains at Clarendon, I will not see him for some time. I settled all accounts with him at Helena; and as he did not bring much money with him, I loaned him twenty dollars. Quartermaster Pearce owes me twenty four, so if he comes up I shall have enough to do till pay day—especially as there is nothing to buy here that I want, except plain rations.

 

            I expect to send this letter to Clarendon to be mailed, as soon as an ambulance goes with some sick men. They are regularly sent back, as they become too sick to go forward. /

 

You say you think your trip to Alton paid. Of course, it did, darling—it paid well. I would not have lived within two days ride of you for eight months without having you with me for any money it could possibly cost to bring you and the children to me and take you home again. The enjoyment of your sweet caresses is beyond computation. I would give twenty dollars to have you with me one day now, if you could be with safety, and without trouble. It is so nice to have your round plump arms around my neck and your sweet lips pressed to mine. Take good care of your health, dearest, so that when I get home I may find you with all the charms you possessed when I saw you last. I have always been so proud of my wife's beauty, and I know she will try to preserve it, to please me, if for nothing else.

 

            Lieuts. West and Smithson both say I have very good wife. West told me, when speaking of the promptness with which you write to me, and interest you have always manifested in my / happiness, that he has "always liked Mrs. Mac" since he first got acquainted with you. He says Lee is favorite of my boys—that "he is as sharp as a steel trap". Smithson says he never saw a little girl have more ease of manners than Emma—and that she will never have any trouble in feeling perfectly at home in society. They both compliment Frank and Lynn also. Indeed, if I were not already so, they would make me proud of my interesting little family. You are all such sweet darlings, I would like to be with you always.

 

            We are a mile from Rock Roe Bayou, and have to get our water there. We are digging a well now, so we may stay here a few days.

 

            Direct your letters: "77^th O.V.I., 1^st Brig. 3^d Div. Arkansas Expedition, Helena, Ark." untill I tell you some other direction.

 

            I will send this to Clintonville, but the next letter I will send to Marietta, unless I get a letter from you to still direct to C. If you stay, write at once to Marietta to have all letters there forwarded to you at C.

 

            I am in excellent health, and stand the march "like a Major". Capt. M^cKitrick, Lieuts. Eagler and Province, and several privates who have been on furlough arrived here this morning. Capt. Ross is still about. The boys say he is stumping Washington County against the Democracy.

 

            Oceans of love to dearest and my darling children. Many kisses and hugs to you all. My kindest regards to Rhoda, Rebecca, Mary, your brothers and all the friends. Also to those in Marietta.                                 

 

As ever your                          

A.W. M^cCormick

 

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