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

1^st Brigade, 3^d Division,

Arkansas Expedition

Little Rock, Ark., Sept 15, 1863.

 

My very dear Wife

                        I received two very interesting letters from you—dated Aug. 23 & 27—announcing your arrival in Marietta and that you are keeping house at N^o 26 again. I am glad to hear that you are located among your old neighbors, and that you are all well (with the exception of Frank's chills). I hope he is entirely well before this time, as you write that he wished you to tell Pa he was almost well. I want to still hear that my loved ones at home are well and doing well. If I can know that you are all comfortable, I can endure the privations of army life quite cheerfully. You are a dear good wife, to bear your share of war's hardships so well. /

 

Capt. Chandler and I took a stroll through the city, piloted by a son of Dr Kirkwood, a prominent Union man of Little Rock. He is a cousin to Gov. Kirkwood, of Iowa. He showed us through the State House, and where the prominent citizens live—or did live, for many of them left on our approach. Gen. Steele's Head Quarters are in the rebel Gen. Ashby's house. Ashby was so rich he could hardly estimate his wealth. His stable was built of stone, with rosewood and cherry stalls—fine enough for the residence of any rebel.

 

            Our forces are still bringing in more prisoners. It seems that the whole of Price's army will be captured or disbanded. A steamboat that Price sent down the river for corn got a good load, and came to Little Rock to-day and delivered it to Gen. Steele! So much for us. John Grimes, a son of Lemuel Grimes, the / Steward of our County Infirmary—(the old man that used to drive such a fine team in Marietta)—came in and gave himself up. He came out here some few years ago, with Julius Buell, who lived out in the Racer neighborhood, and they both bought farms. When the conscription took place, they both went into the rebel service, and Buell died last January. Buell married Grimes' sister, and Grimes married a Braughton. Grimes was an Orderly Sergt. in the rebel army. His brother, David Grimes, is in the 1^st Ohio Cavalry, and he wishes to join the same. He is still held as a prisoner, but got leave to come to our camp and see us. He knew me at once, as he did Col. Mason, Lieut West, Capt Chandler, and scores of others. I knew him at some distance, as he approached my tent—although from his dress he he appeared the veriest "Grayback" you ever saw. /

 

Little Rock is a dull place. The people who did not leave keep close in their houses, so we see but few on the streets. There are but few stores open, and they have but little to sell. If any one offers them rebel money, they ask fabulous prices—but for "Greenbacks" you can buy for less than half as much. They say Confed. script is "played out". Shouldn't wonder! Guess the rebellion is about "played out", also.

 

Lt. West sends his best respects, and desires you to speak a good word for him.

 

            Company D is relieved as Provost Guard, but Capt. M^cN. is still in the Provost Marshal's Office.

 

16^th—We are camped in the edge of the city, near the Arsenal, in a very pretty place, with a splendid spring of nice clear water right in camp. Our men are on half rations since the 10^th—but we look for our supply train to-night. We got corn and fresh beef and pork from the country, by sending out foraging parties, with wagons. I hear there is a mail going out, so I finish my letter which I wrote yesterday. I am still quite well. We have a paper printed here, under Gen. Steele's control. Capt. M^cN. told them I was an old editor and thorough printer, and they have sent for me. Lieut. West and I have been playing chess, but I will drop it to get in the editor's sanctum. West never played any till he came to Helena, but there are few in the Regt. who can beat him now. You can tell Hattie he is as "sharp as a steel trap"—will make a great General.

 

            My regards to the friends, and my love to you, dearest.

 

Kiss the children for me. Forever yours

                                                           

A.W. M^cCormick

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