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

Little Rock, Ark., Dec 5, 1863.

 

My very dear Wife

                        I received your letter of the 14^th yesterday, and was very glad to hear from you again. Somehow I lose some of your letters I am almost certain; for you write two a week and I seldom get more than one a week—that is for the last three weeks I have got about four letters. I guess the mails will be more regular now.

 

            I send you at least two letters a week, except when I went to Pine Bluffs—then I could not. I sent one by Sergt. Wm E Smithson, which I suppose was lost as he lost his baggage, his money and his clothes except a shirt and the pants he had on when the Steamer "Sunny Side" was burned. It was well he saved his life. None of the 77^th boys were lost, though four were on board. /

 

Oh, dearest, it would give me so much pleasure to come home this winter, to earn the promotion you mention. I would even be wiling to resign the rank I now hold, to be with you. But I will try to "possess my soul in patience", and wait for the expiration of my term of service or the war, for it is almost impossible to get leave of absence or even a resignation through Head Quarters.

 

            I came up town last evening with Col. Kittridge, of the 36^th Iowa, who had just been to Gen. Steele's urging his claims for a leave of absence, on the ground that his wife is very sick—hardly expected to live. But he could not get it. He then offered to resign, in order to get home while she is yet alive, and he was told his resignation would not be accepted. He was a Captain at the battle of Belmont, was wounded and left for good as dead by the rebels. As soon as he could walk he reported for duty, and was in the battle of Shiloh—since which time he has had but twenty days leave, and / returned before his time was out. Still, he cannot get a few days now when his services are not needed. There is no probability of any fighting to do here before spring, and if there were, the 36^th has a Lieut. Col and a Major. So you see it is no easy job to get to go home. However, I do not give up all hope of a furlough between now and spring. Whenever any officer of the 77^th gets to go home, I will put in my claim.

 

            I am glad to hear that Porter's wife has a boy. It will please "the big boy" very much. I think your advice about the name very good. I would suggest some such name as Frank Porter. What do you think of that? If he will call it that, my "big boy" will send it a nice new dress, won't you Frank?

 

            In order that your letters may come through right, address them:

                                               

Capt. A. W. M^cCormick

77^th Regt O.V.I.

1^st Brigade 3^d Division,

Little Rock, Ark. 

 

If you will address them just as I wrote this, in the same number of lines, it will be read at a glance, and will be more conspicuous than when you add Co. G and 16^th Army Corps. Make the 77 very plain.

 

            Capt. M^cNaughton says for you to keep his trunk till further notice. If he were to get killed (of which there don't seem to be much danger at present) he wishes it sent to Mrs. L A Harvey, Allegheny City, Pa. Lts. Smithson and Scott seem quite anxious to see their new wives. Guess they think they might do some good for the country if they were sent home to recruit. West is still at the Depot. I don't think he has got a letter from Hattie for the last two or three mails. What is the matter, do you think? May they not be intercepted by someone? Quiz her a little on the subject. He loves her, I think, most devotedly, and it may be the affection is returned. Perhaps her father may have discovered this, and has interfered. Gordon is a good boy, and worthy of any other man's daughter, not to mention Col. Marshal's.

 

Sweet, I am glad you got a new cloak. I want you to dress well and live well. I live to make you happy, and will always be able to keep my family comfortable. I am no drone, and with your industry and economy, I will always be in possession of the means of supplying you all. Do not think that I could deem the price extravagant. Had I been there, and there was a better one to be had, I would have bought it for you at three times twelve dollars.

 

            Kiss all the dear children for me—including the wild boy who refuses to be kissed sometimes. He says he would kiss Pa if he were at home, so he can kiss you for me. I am glad to get a letter from Emma. Tell daughter I will answer it soon. With kindest regards to all the friends, and much love to you, dearest, and the children, I am

                                                                       

As ever yours              Mac.

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