Iuka, Miss., Aug. 27, 1862

 

Dear Mother:

                        As E. W. Buell, who is now here, offers to carry a letter home for me, I take the opportunity to send you a few words. I have become established in camp life and find it not very unpleasant so far. We are in a very pleasant location—near a running brook, and abundant springs. Monday I went out on picket guard, standing on the watch with fixed bayonet and loaded gun, listening closely for any sound in the woods around me—then things reminded me much of my guarding railroad. I was however in a little more danger of being shot than when I was on the railroad.

 

            The weather here is what we / would call in Marietta hot,—the thermometer standing at from 95˚ to 100˚ in the shade. I do not feel the heat, however, as much as I would a corresponding heat in Marietta, although I am still sensible that it is warm.

 

            My first work in the sewing line was to sew on the buttons again to nearly all my army clothes. Otherwise than this I have had no other sewing work yet to do.

 

            We have not yet drawn our arms, but probably will soon. Hat and blouse I drew to-day.

 

            We can draw no army plates here, so that I will have to watch my chance and at the earliest opportunity steal or find (synonymous terms) in some neighboring camp. One regiment is to move from here to-morrow, and many things at such a time are left behind, and / I think I can then get one. I paid the sutler only 15 cents for a pewter spoon,—worth about that much a dozen in Marietta.

 

            My health so far is excellent, and I think that it will not take me long to acclimate.

 

            I begin to want a letter from home, but it is hardly time for me to get one yet as it takes them five days to come through. I wrote to Jerusha last Sunday.

            Did the $80 come to hand safe?

 

            I cannot write more now, as Mr. Buell soon leaves,

           

My love to all,

Your Son,

Geo. R. Gear

 

P.S.—After having sealed up this letter I received just now the letter from Hiram. I was very / sory to learn of your sickness. I hope that it may be nothing serious and that you may soon recover. Do not worry on my account. I am in just as pleasant a situation as I could be every any where in the army. I am in an excellent mess.

 

            Please send the Examiner once in a while.

                                   

Your Son

George.

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