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

Little Rock, Ark,

March 18, 1864,

 

My very dear Wife:

                        Since my arrival here I have received two letters from you—one written at the time we left Camp Dennison, and the other on the 13^th of Nov. 1863(!) Wasn't that late?

 

            I am very glad you have got Emma to taking music lessons. Of course I am satisfied with your selection of a teacher. I am sure she is an accomplished musician, and I believe quite capable of imparting instruction. I have no fears but she will do well.

 

            I am sorry to hear that "Robert Linnie Sweet duckey" was sick. I hope he is well now.

 

Tell Frank and Lee that Pa expects them to be ever so good to Ma while he is gone. / They are my good big boys, and I am glad to hear they get along so well at school.

 

            Maj. Stevens has telegraphed here to Gen. Solomon and Col. Mason, about as follows: "I have been assaulted and confined in the Guardhouse twenty-four hours, by Col. Wm. Weer. This outrage has killed my wife and babe. Please extend my leave. I will seek redress at the hands of Gen. Rosecrans. Answer."

 

            This is shocking news, and we all sympathise deeply with the Major. Such conduct should cashier Col. Weer, at least. I cannot conceive how one officer could treat another in such a manner, especially when his wife was in such a delicate situation. I suppose the cause was, being there a few days after his leave of absence expired. The Col. and Gen. Solomon have applied to Gen. Steele to extend the Major's leave.

 

            Our Regiment marched through from Pine Bluffs in two days, and I came through in / a day and a half. Don't you think that was good walking? It is regarded here as quite a feat. Gen. Solomon, with his Staff and body guard went out the Pine Bluff road to meet the 77^th, and escort our Regiment to the city. The 43^d Indiana Vet. Vols. also turned out to meet us. The Little Rock Union copies the Commercial's notice, and adds: "The loyal people are glad to welcome back to Arkansas this noble, gallant and battle worn regiment, and the noble hearted Ohio boys, who have joined it during its short stay in Ohio. May the God of battles be with them everywhere."

 

            The Union is edited by T.W.D. Yonley, one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of Arkansas, and published by him and Judge Fishback, also of the Supreme Court. Dr. Meador's paper the Democrat, comes out to-morrow. We'll see what it says.

 

            This state has elected Judge Murphy, the only man in this Convention who / voted against Arkansas seceding, to the Governorship, by about 10,000 votes.

 

            We have marching orders, but the order is temporarily suspended. So we may stay here some time, or may move to-morrow.

 

            Joseph Field, son of Richard Field, of Marietta, a drummer boy I recruited for Co. B, last month, died here of Typhoid Fever last week. I am glad I did not persuade him to [?].

 

            I saw two guerrillas hanged to-day. One of them—Capt Joe. Ernest—talked considerably, said his time was short, thanked God, said "farewell world", &c. The other, a man named Miller, said nothing. Two U.S. Army Chaplains attended them and prayed for them on the scaffold. There was but little sympathy expressed for the unfortunate wretches, so far as I could learn, among the 5,000 spectators—as they were notorious as among the most cruel of the despicable class to which they belonged. I think I shall write a full account of the scene to the Commercial.

 

            We have heard nothing from our recruiting Sergts. at home. Hope to learn that they have scores of recruits.

 

            The Marietta boys are all well. Orlando Hunter seemed surprised when I told him his mother was married. He don't seem to like it.

 

            Anna Robinson seemed delighted when I called last night. she said she could hardly forgive me for not calling to bid her good bye before we left for home. She is looking quite well.

 

            With much love to you, dearest, and to the children

 

I am                                                                            

Yours as ever

AW M^cCormick

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