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

Little Rock, Ark., Dec 10, 1863.

 

My very dear Wife

                        We are expecting a mail this morning, and I hope to get two or three of your nice sweet letters. You know, dearest, how I love them—how I love you, and prize the letters for your sake. I really believe I am getting to be more anxious about letters from you than I ever was. I know they give me as much pleasure as ever they did.

 

            "Tis said that absence conquers love

              But, oh! believe it not."

Absence from you, my darling, has but tended to strengthen mine for you. When I am away from you, I feel how much of my happiness (when in your presence) I owe to you. You know it is said, "you know not the value of a treasure till it is lost". On the same principle, I feel that I could not properly realize how great a void would / would be left in my heart when you were away from me. I learned that sad lesson while I was a prisoner of war, and I am fully sensible of it now. Oh, my sweet love, I would give almost anything, except life or my honor to be at home, to stay with you always. May the day soon come.

 

            I am on Court Martial now every day. Our Court is composed of Col. Thos. H. Benton, Jr. of the 29^th Iowa. Maj Norris of the 43^d Indiana, Lieut Col. Drake of the 36^th Iowa, Capt. Eddington, 43^d Ind. Capt M^cCormick 77^th O Capt. Gerhardt, 9 Wis., and Lt. Ranger, 43^d Ind. Capt Meyer of the 28^th Wis. is Judge Advocate. Col. Drake said to me that I ought to have been Judge Advocate. I asked him why. He said, "you are a lawyer, are you not?" I told him, "I am not." He said, "You managed the cases in which you were Counsel—like a lawyer". quite a compliment to my legal talent, don't you think so? Lieut. Smithson, who has been on Court Martial where I was Counsel, / says I ought to read law—that I have a natural talent for it. My clients all seem exceedingly well pleased—and offered to pay me for defending them. I refused pay, of course; and they never get done thanking me for what aid I gave them. P. W. Cunningham, of Co. B, who had more than two hundred dollars of his pay in jeopardy, to say nothing of his personal liberty, was in a very tight place, as the Judge Advocate tried to rule out all evidence which would go to clear him of the charge of desertion. He is satisfied that but for my aid he would have been convicted,—but I got him acquitted. He is exceedingly grateful.

 

            Capt. M^cKitrick had been on Court Martial, but has been relieved, and Col. Mason had me detailed without my knowledge, and told me since that it was because I was "the most suitable Officer in the Regiment for such business". Well, as I work three hours only each day, I can stand it. /

Capt. Robinson's daughter, Anna, arrived here a few days ago, and Freddy, also. The Captain is quite unwell, and sent for them. Yesterday afternoon, when I called to see him Anna expressed a desire to see the town and at her father's request I went out walking with her. She is quite lively, and is doing much to cheer her Pa up. He is getting so he can walk about his room. Anna is very desirous of learning to play chess, and wishes me to teach her. A Major who boards at Mrs. Brown's where they board has been teaching her, but the Capt. objects to her taking lessons from him, as he knows but little about the Major. He says she may play chess with me as much as she pleases. Guess all the officers are willing to allow their wives and daughters to associate with me. Well, it is an evidence that they regard me as a gentleman.

 

            I called to see Lt. West yesterday. He gave me a new picture of him, which I enclose. I also bought a $50 check from him which I enclose to you. Put it in the bank at once for collection, and keep the money and use it as you need it. I will send more when I can get checks.

 

            Lt. West says he has had but one letter from Hattie for a long, long time, and that the last one he got said she had received none from him for ten weeks! He said he has written very often, and is sure there is something wrong with the mails. Any note enclosed by her in your letters will be delivered. With regards to friends, and much love to you and the children,                    

 

As ever yours

A.W. M^cCormick

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