Head Quarters 77^th Regt OV

Sandoval, Ill., Mar 5, '64.

 

My very dear Wife:

                        I wrote you on the 3^d from Camp Dennison that we would leave that day for Little Rock. We left that day, and arrived here this morning, all well.

 

            We have a fine Regiment now. You will see a notice in the Commercial of yesterday, quite complimentary to us. I think the Gazette of the 4^th also gives us a notice. Get one and see. I am to get 25 copies of each of them when we reach Cairo, to-night.

 

            I see by the dispatch from Little Rock that "the Arkansas is booming". I predict that we will be sent by boat all the way from Cairo to Little Rock, since they run there. We will get there in ten days, I think. 

 

Well, dearest love, I am learning every day how much enjoyment I lose by being deprived of your sweet society. I am so happy when with my darling, and miss your sweet caresses so much when away. I am often tempted to resign, when I remember the pleasures of home—the pleasant little circle around our fireside, and the many marks of affection with which I am greeted by you and my dear sweet children. But I must wait a little. Emma is a charming little daughter, and Frank is now a fine large boy. Lee too is seven years old to-day—bright as a pin—and going to be man some day. Lynn is now, no doubt, "ma's boy",—"like pa too"—since I am away. Bless their dear hearts. I would like to hug and kiss all of you this morning. Kiss each other, and remember Pa.

 

            We have been waiting here since breakfast time for our freight train to come up, with / our rations, six wagons and mules to match, and the officers baggage. It is 10 AM and the freight has come—and is being transferred from the O & M to the C.J.R.R.—so we will soon be off for Dixie.

 

            When I get on board the boat I will write you again, to be mailed at Cairo or Memphis, or Columbus Ky. I hope to get a couple of dear sweet letters from you when we reach Cairo. Direct my letters, till you get further notice, "Capt A.W. M^cCormick 77^th O.V., Little Rock, Ark."

 

Capt. Sisson was detailed to go to the Cincinnati Express Office and get Col. Mason's saddle, so he is not here yet. Maj Stevens went to Alton yesterday, and as Col. Mason had come on to Sandoval before the Regt., it left me in command of the Regiment yesterday. I preserved good order among the men— / more than most officers in command of Regiments on their return accomplish.

 

            Company G has purchased a splendid sword,—gold hilt and silver scabbard—which Capt. Sisson says is to be presented to me. I saw the Lieutenants have it, but made no inquiries, of course. As Beale said, "I guess that's so", but they have said nothing to me about the matter, intending it for a surprise, I suppose. Of course, if it is presented, I shall receive it gracefully and gratefully, and as Alexander Marion Melborn Esquire would say—"with my usual ability". It would do for a Field Officer, and if "in the course of human events" I should want the saddle Mrs. Col. Hildebrand is saving for me, it will hang gracefully by its side.

 

            With much love, dearest, to you and children, and my kind regards to friends, am, my darling, as ever yours

                                                                       

A.W. M^cCormick

SOURCES