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

1^st Brigade, 3^d Division,        

                        Arkansas Expedition,

Mill Bayou, Ark., Sept 9, 1863.

 

My very dear Wife

                        It is a long time since I got a letter from you—the last being dated August 15^th. I am looking for one or more this evening, as a supply train is coming in from White River, where the steamboats land our provisions—at Duval's Bluffs.

 

            I will be so glad to hear from you again. It seems like an age almost, since the 15^th.

 

            I got a letter by last mail from Mary Racer, dated the 21^st, which was gladly received—the more so as I got none from you that mail. It is very cheering to soldiers out here in the wilderness to get letters from home, from the loved ones of their own families and from other kind friends. I hope / to receive many such while I am in the field. I shall look for two a week from you, dearest; and hope my esteemed young lady friends will still write me kind letters as heretofore. I am under a thousand obligations to Mary and Augusta for remembering me so kindly.

 

            We left Brownsville on Sunday and arrived here Monday—a distance of twenty miles. We are now within a mile and a half of the Arkansas River, ten miles below Little Rock. We hear various reports—one that the citizens of Little Rock have insisted that the rebels should not fight us there, and that they yielded to their desire, and were evacuating the place—taking with them everything they can transport. Another is that our advance (Gen. Davidson's Cavalry Division) has completed a bridge over the Arkansas River, and that we will cross to-morrow and enter the city—unless resistance is made. Another is, that the rebels who are on that side are crossing / to this side, to aid those on this side in giving us battle. I don't know which they will do—but if they come out to fight us, they will get whipped.

 

            Our supply train came in to-day, and it is rumored it brought a mail from home, but we have not seen it yet. I am in excellent health—never had better. Lieuts Smithson and West are both quite well again. Capt. M^cN. came up last night. He remained at Brownsville when we left. He and his Co. well.

 

            I said to Mary that I hoped you would get the same house we occupied before you came to Alton, not so much on account of the house as the neighbors. She says in her letter to me: "However much you may think of your neighbors, I am certain that you cannot think more of them than they do of you and your family. For my part I will say that outside of my relations—and I will not even except them—there is not another family that I regard with more true friendship than I do yours". If there is one thing of which I / feel prouder than another, it is to enjoy the respect and friendship of those who know us best—especially of such neighbors as ours. When I have had time to answer it, I will enclose Mary's letter to you, to be preserved—as I value it too much to risk losing it on a march, or having it fall into the hands of the rebels, as some of yours once did. I intend to send all yours home, for you to keep for me, when I get a good opportunity.

 

            Tell Emma not to be too proud when I say that I have heard many compliments for her. Lieut. Smithson says he never knew a little girl have more ease of manners than Emma, and that she will never have any trouble in making herself a favorite in society. Sergt W. A. Day, Orderly of Co G, came in yesterday when I was looking at your pictures, as I do very often. He asked to see them, and said the Captain would have a very pretty daughter for some one some day. I said if she ever became as good-looking as her ma, she would pass. He said she was that now. So you she has made an impression already. The officers who visit my tent frequently speak of what fine boys I have. I hope they'll all be good.

 

            Col. Mason is mending slowly. He came with us in an ambulance. He walks about a little. I hope he will be fit for duty soon. The health of the Regt is good. But few have the chills now. Tell me how Col. Hildebrand's folks are getting along, and all the Marietta folks. My kind regards to Mrs Racer's Mrs Stewart's, and all the folks. Lieut West was much pleased to be remembered in Mary's letter, and sends her his kindest regards.

 

My love to you, dearest sweet one, and to the children                                

AWM^cC

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