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

1^st Brigade, 3^d Div. Arkansas Expedition,

Little Rock, Ark., Sept 19, 1863.

 

My very dear Wife:

                        We are still at Little Rock, with a prospect of staying here some time. We have our camp handsomely arranged, and are living quite comfortably. My tent is waterproof, and the late heavy rains have not troubled me. The weather is quite cool now—almost cold enough for frost. But the two Lieutenants sleep with me, and we have five woolen blankets and two gum or India Rubber blankets, so we keep warm enough. Besides I got boards from the Quartermaster, and have a floor in our tent—and a nice walnut bedstead! Isn't that grand? We are living pretty well for soldiers. A detachment of Gen. Blunt's troops came through from Fort Smith to-day, and report that Blunt whipped the rebels under Gen. Cabell handsomely a short time since. So it goes. 

 

            The mail is expected to-night, or to-morrow at the latest.—The wagon train, with supplies, is about due. I look for four or five letters from my good sweet love. I would not miss my regular supply of letters from my darling wife for anything. I like to hear that you are all well, and to read the nice sweet things you write me.

 

Sept. 20.—Well, dearest, I got two of your letters this evening—one dated Aug 29 and the other the 3^d inst. They were so gladly received. I am truly rejoiced that Frank has got well, and that you all have good health. I trust it will continue. I am very well.          

 

            You say it is dull business to get no letters and be writing so many. I have felt the same way, several times, while I have been writing you twice a week and getting no letter from you for three weeks. Yet I knew it was no fault of yours. I hope our letters will go more regularly hereafter, as a train of cars start to-morrow morning for Duval's Bluffs, on White river, and that river is navigable all the year round. We will not have to depend on an occasional wagon train for mails.

 

There is a report that all letters will be opened and examined / at Helena or Memphis, which are not endorsed as "Soldier's letters". This is to prevent rebels from sending contraband news through the lines, it is said. I do not believe any officer of the government would order such an outrage on private correspondence, for such an absurd pretext—but lest it might be so, I endorse this "officially", as you will see.

 

            I am glad Lynn remembers Pa so well. I told Capt. Mac about the antics he cut over "'Ten's" trunk, and it pleased him mightily. He thinks Lynn the greatest boy alive, and says he intends to send him a photograph when his whiskers grow out, to see if he will know him. I think not, as it changes his looks so. Tell Augusta that "when this cruel war is over" I will have a better photograph taken, and she shall have a copy—provided she don't neglect to write me an answer to my letter, and still further provided, that she gives you one of hers for your album. I intend to answer Mary's letter some of these days. I have been pretty busy since I received it, but will be more at leisure now, and have a better opportunity of writing. You will please still remember me kindly to all our friends. /

 

I send you a copy of a new paper just started here.—There were three or four rebel papers printed here—the "Gazette", the "Patriot", the "True Democrat" and perhaps others. These are all "played out", and the "National Union" is established. The people read it with great avidity, and appear willing to do anything, to be again citizens of a loyal state of the Union. I hope you will read all the original articles in this paper, and then hand to Winchester.

 

            You will see that the Editor, Col. Demby, notices an introduction to a friend of yours, and also puffs the Provost Marshals as clever fellows. I think Judge Murphy will be Governor, and Dr. Kirkwood United States Senator. I have become acquainted with them both, and feel sure they would aid me to anything I might desire. Dr. K is one of the most influential men in the state. He insists on my calling on him. I guess I will go down and take tea with him, and get acquainted with his family. You may be sure the officers of the gallant old 77^th are all right at Head Quarters and with the citizens who are true to the Union.

 

            I called to see Col. Mason this evening, at his boarding house. He is still getting better, but he complains of much pain in his side. He is able to walk about, and his jaw bone has united again.

 

            Being in demand at the "Sanctum" of the paper, I have a special permit to visit the city whenever I please. As we are encamped in the suburbs, I go "down town" nearly every day; but I have not got acquainted with any of the ladies yet. Think of that—in a city ten days and no female acquaintances—though I have lots of influential friends to introduce me! That don't show me to be much of a ladies' man does it? They are a little shy yet, I suppose, but after they learn how agreeable fellows Federal Officers are, they will get bravely over that. Then I can talk to them with my "usual ability", as "Alexander Marion Melborn" would say. But you needn't fancy you see me "enduring the hardships of camp life" as portrayed in the Comic Monthly yet.

 

            Lieuts Smithson and West both have the chills. I have had no chill this month. Dr. Warfield is absent, at the Hospital at Duval's Bluffs, and Dr Wall has been sick. McCarty has been prescribing for the Regiment. Wall is about well now. Our boys are generally well—not troubled much with ague, but more with cold weather. It is almost frosty here. Write as often as heretofore. My love to you and the children.

                                                           

Dearest love, yours forever

A.W. M^cCormick.

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