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

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

                        Arkansas Expedition,            

Duval's Bluffs, Ark., Aug 29, 1863.

 

My very dear Wife:

                        I was much gratified this afternoon, when a couple of boats came around from Helena, bringing a mail—to get your kind letter of the 15^th. I am always glad to hear from you, but never more so than now, and to learn that you are all well.

 

            I am gratified to learn that Lynn is doing so well. Tell him Pa would like to kiss those sweet red lips—and that "Pa and 'Ten'" like Lynnie. Never mind, if I can't see you and be with you all now, the time will come before long, I hope, when I can.

 

            In my last letter I wrote you that I had been somewhat chilly, but had not had a shake. Well, last night I had one that would count for genuine ague. I took scopes of quinine to-day, and feel quite well now. Dr. Wall thinks he can stop the chills on me, probably without my having another shake. There is plenty of ague here—and the worst of it is the Doctors say nine tenths of those who have it shake every day. Isn't that pretty steep? Arkansas would be a glorious state to emigrate from, I think.

 

            You say you fear we will be in a fight soon—but it don't seem much like it yet. Gen. Davidson's Cavalry Division whipped the rebels at Brownsville, a few days since, and still later he drove them from Bayou Meto, still further on towards Little Rock. It looks like they don't intend to stand before us, as they threatened a stout resistance at Bayou Meto. 

 

            With your letter came the enclosed one from Melissa and Parker. I wrote to Melissa to send me the names of all Father's grandchildren and you will find it here. Forty-two grandchildren—just twice as many as he has had children. Jacob's Elisha is married I believe, and was looking for a great grand child on the list.

 

            You will see by the little slip that the folks at Young America are very sorry we did not get up to see them. I am sorry too. I did intend to go, but you know Officers could not get leave of absence at all till a short time before we left, and then but one Field and two Line Officers. But I hope, darling, that after I get home we can make them all a visit, and have all who can visit us. I'm looking forward to the good time coming, you see.

 

            I thought of your remark about bitter and sweet, to-day, when I was taking quinine—and thought the drug didn't taste a bit like my darling's kisses. I hope you won't have any of the same kind of bitter to take while I am gone. Still, it is much better to take it than be pulled down with the chills.

 

            Melissa says one of the boys will come to Cameron for you and the children, if you want to visit Grandpa's, if you will let them know when to meet you there. After you get home, and well rested, and have seen all the folks, in and about Marietta that you wish to see, it would be a nice little trip to go up to Moundsville, and see Col. De Hass' folk and Lieut. Criswell and family—then run out to Cameron on the morning train, and ride to Father's the same day you leave Moundsville. You could shut up the house and be away a few weeks as well as not, if you choose. What do you think of it, love?

 

            Do not be uneasy about me or my health. I take very good care of myself, and I feel sure I shall get along well. 

 

            Capt. Robinson asked the Adjutant to write out a resignation for him, day before yesterday, and Dr. Cooke has sent in his. I do not know whether they will get them through or not. I hear no more about Capt Sisson resigning. Perhaps he has heard of Col. De Hass nomination for Congress, and is waiting for a field office. Wouldn't that be grand? I wrote a letter for publication in the Statesman, while at Clarendon, in which his resignation is mentioned. He told me it was bound to be accepted—that he would get a Surgeon's certificate, if necessary, that would insure it. Well, I have nothing against Capt Sisson—the fact is I rather like him—and wish him to entirely regain his health—so I hope his papers may be accepted, and he be allowed to home and get well.

 

            Maj. Hendrickson put Dr. Marks out of the Prison Hospital, and put Dr Hardy in—but it is said Col Kinkead will put Marks back, since Hendrickson is relieved.

 

            Nathan Barnard, the man Billy Day arrested for disloyal practices has been sentenced to a Military Prison during the war. I guess there was some strong testimony against him.

 

            I get the Alton Democrat weekly, and if I see any items in it that I think will interest you I will slip them out and enclose them, or tell you their substance.

 

            The 77^th seems to be indispensible to this expedition. Capt M^cNaughton on Maj Gen. Steele's Staff as Provost Marshal, and Lieut. Berry Division Commissary, Dr Warfield Brigade Surgeon and Lieuts. Fisher and Smithson members of a General Court Martial. Besides they call on us every few days for a Division Officer of the Day, and still oftener for Brigade Officer of the Day. 

 

Melissa writes that Mary and Elisha's widow are coming to Grandpa's. Perhaps Mary would come and live with you if you go up and see her.

 

            We have notice that the mail will leave soon so I must close. I suppose you are at Marietta, and I direct all my letters to you there now—this being the third. But I can hardly realize that you are at home till get a letter dated at Marietta.

 

            Direct to Helena, as before.

 

            I send you all oceans of love and kisses innumerable. I will look anxiously for the next letter from my dear sweet love. I cannot but think I have the best wife in Ohio.

                                                                                   

As ever yours

A.W. M^cCormick

 

Emma, that letter of yours has not reached me yet. What do think has gobbled it up? Better write another one I guess. Come, my pet daughter mustn't neglect Pa. Frank, you can write me too tell me too. Tell me all all about the "hair-breadth 'scapes from flood and field", through which you and my other darling big boy, Lee—especially about the running away of the team. You were pretty lucky to be sent to wake cousin Will.

 

            Be good boys, and obey ma—then pa will always love you ever so much.          Pa.

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