Gibson House,                       

Cincinnati, O Feb 28, 1864

 

My very dear Wife

                        I received your kind letter yesterday, and was much pleased with it as it is fitted with gratifying evidences of your love. You know, dearest, how sincerely I join you in hoping this war will soon be over, that I may enjoy life with and my dear children.

 

            I saw a notice in the Commercial yesterday that Capt. J J Geer (who was the Lieut. Geer with me in the Southern Military Prisons) would lecture in this city last night, so I got a leave of absence till to-morrow at 8, and came down to hear him. I met him—heard him lecture and was referred to by him, and introduced to his audience as his intimate friend and associate in rebel prisons—made a few / remarks confirming what he had said—bought his book—had another presented to me—and went with him, at his earnest solicitation, and spent the night at the house of Hon. John Whetstone, (father of Senator Whetstone of this city) one of the wealthiest men in Cincinnati. To-day I went to see Mr Longshore's folks, and found them all well. Cornelia has got to be a very handsome young lady, just ready to discard short dresses. Mrs. L. says her boy looks just like our Frank, and of course she thinks him very pretty. They are all pretty children,—especially the oldest and youngest. I took dinner at Mr. Ramsey's to-day he has two quite pretty children. The oldest (Virginia) resembles him and the boy looks like Fanny. Virginia Hart came to the door when I rang the bell—told me Mr. R. was at home, asked me / in—said my countenance looked familiar, but did not know me till I told my name. She complimented me at the dinner table on looking better than she ever saw me, and thought I looked even younger than when I entered the Army. Mrs R. said Ginnie came in blushing from the door, and was sure at first some young gentleman had called on her. Ramsey says he has made a thousand a year since he has been here—clear of expenses. He says he was offered yesterday four thousand five hundred ($4500) dollars for his house, but would not take it. By the way, he requests that my photograph be sent him, and says he will send me one of his. I am out, at present, and so is he.

 

Capt Lutgen came down from Columbus last night, with Col. / Mason, on the train which brought me from Camp Dennison. He failed to get off the cars and is here. He says Col. Mason has made arrangements to have me left home to recruit awhile. How do you like that? If it is true I will be at home this week. I hope it is so, as I wish to be with you, and to fill the Regt at least to the 830 mark. Our recruits get paid to-morrow, so Capt. Stetson says. He will go up with me to pay them. We also muster the entire Regiment to-day for pay; but I fear we will get no money till we go to the front. I may get mine, (being on detached service) or may not.

 

            I will write to-morrow night, if time.

 

to Emma and Frank

 

My love to all of you. Kiss the dear children for me. Kind regards to friends. I'm very well. As ever yours. A.W. M^cCormick.

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