Camp Dennison, O.,

March 2, 1864.                    

                           

My very dear Wife

                        I have been writing very busily all afternoon on ordnance papers for 1862, and have now got them completed. So I feel easy on that score.

            We have marching orders for Little Rock. We leave here to-morrow at 10½ o'clock, so I shall be very busy in the morning. I expect a letter in this evening's mail but will not be here to-night. I go with the Regt. The report about my being sent back to recruit started by Mr. Curtis telling Capt Lutgen that I had done so well, and would undoubtedly be sent home to recruit again.

 

            Capt Ross arrived here to-night. He says he had orders to remain till Oct 25^th for drafted men—that he reported then at Columbus, but got no men. He says he then tried to resign, but could not / He says he will go with the Regt, even if he has to carry a musket. He will probably be tried by a Military Commission—lose his pay and be restored to duty.

 

            Dr. Otilie, the Ass't. Surgeon 9^th Wis Vol. who has been with us, has tendered his resignation.

 

            Capt Chandler has not arrived here yet. He is troubled with a gathering on his neck. All my boys are here but four. John W. Green and Jas M Blowis are absent sick, and Jos Brunell and James Lynch (a new recruit) are absent without leave. Co G has about 83 members in it now, and the Regt near 800. The draft will fill us up.

 

            I learn that Gov Brough is making exceptions to his seniority rule, and that the disposition at Columbus is to make one in my case. We shall see.

 

            Oh, dearest, the only regret I have in leaving for the field, is that I must be away from you and my sweet children. Tell Emma and Frank to write to me often—I have been to busy to say more to them at present. Lee and Lynn will tell you and Emma what to write for them

 

            Gen. Solomon or Gen. Steele sent to Colum / bus to know how soon we are coming to Little Rock, and how full we are. They do not want to lose us.

 

            I must close now, dearest love, but will keep my letter open till I go to the Depot, so if I get another letter from you I can answer in this. I will write often, and expect at least two letters a week from you.

 

            Send Frank to the Register office to tell the editor to send Capt M^cNaughton's paper to Little Rock till further orders.

                                                           

My regards to friends

As ever, love, yours

A.W. M^cCormick

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