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

2d Brigade 3d Div 7^th A.C.

Camp No 10, near Rome, Ark.

April 9, 1864           

   

My very dear Wife

                        I wrote you on the 18^th from Rockport, since which time we have had no chance to send letters. I am in very good health, and have been all the time.

 

            We have a fine army here, in good health and spirits. All the Marietta boys are well.

 

            We have had some fighting almost daily since the 1^st inst It commenced near Arkadelphia, and the rebels have been around us all the way here. At Okolona, last Sunday, I had command of a detachment of the 77^th, acting Major in the skirmish. The boys all behaved well. We lost three killed and a few wounded, mostly from 27^th Wisconsin Vols / In the last skirmish the 77^th did not get to the front (and was not under fire) until after the rebels retreated. I was to act Lieut. Col. Lieut Smithson commands Co G now, and I am acting as a Field Officer all the time. I wish we could hear from Gov. Brough. I would like to know my place. The 77^th is complimented on all hands for its soldierly bearing. Gen. Steele says we saved a Brigade at Okolona; and Col. M^cLean said that if we had been up at the front instead of lying left back at Okolona, he could have whipped Gen. Marmaduke's forces with our Brigade.

 

            My love to all. Tell the dear children Pa sends them scores of kisses. How I would like to see you all. I write in much haste / as the detachment to take the letters to Little Rock is about to leave. I have had no letter from you since yours of the 11^th, received at Little Rock on the 19^th

                                                           

As ever yours, dearest

AW M^cCormick

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