#4*

 

Iuka, Miss. Sept. 5, 1862

 

Dear Mother:

                        There being an opportunity to send a few words home this morning I will write to let you know how I am. And in the first place I am in no good humour this morning. I have not been very well for three or four days, being troubled with the diarrhea. This added to the fact that although since I left home I have written no less than five letters and have as yet received but one, and that over a week ago, tends considerably to give me the blues. I don't know whether the fault is at home or in the mail. For three or four days now I have looked for a letter at every mail, but it has not come. 

 

            Day before yesterday we came very near leaving this place. About 3 o'clock in the afternoon as we were quietly laying in our tents there came an order, "Pack knapsacks; prepare to march". From quietness, immediately everything was hustle and move and in less than five minutes knapsacks were packed, and blankets rolled up ready for a march. We were ordered however, not to strike tents. We held ourselves in this condition of readiness all night, and still do, although the order to march has not yet come. Where we were to go we of course did not certainly know, but still it is very probable that we will go to Corinth, and perhaps, even, we may be sent back to Kentucky. There have been some great movements of troops in this section of country. Tuscumbia, Ala., has been evacuated by our troops, / and immense quantities of stores have been transported through this place from there towards Corinth. T'is about 35 miles from here. It is reported that Price is there this morning; but there is probably not the least truth in it. Last night we were ordered down to the depot to unlode cars loaded with government stuff brought from the evacuation. We went down, and although I did not feel very well I went with them. I would not have missed what I saw there for $1. A car co The train that came in was packed in every available spot on top of the freight with contrabands, of all ages, and sexes. A more grotesque looking set I never saw. They were dressed in every manner of costume Nothing could exceed the comic appearance and actions of the little youngsters. They would hop around on hands and feet, laughing with great glee, and cutting up all manner of antics. / There were not less than 200 of the contrabands on the train. There is already here a force of about 200 working men, who are employed in the Quartermaster's Department as teamsters, and in handling commissary stores, and in digging fortifications.

 

            Is there any excitement at Marietta? I see by the papers that Cincinnati is in considerable danger, and I should not be in the least surprised to hear of a raid up the Kanawha Valley. I do not think that are many Secesh troops here, but we hear all manner of rumors, and cannot tell what to believe.

 

            My elixir pro all leaked out on the way coming here I tried to get some a drug store here in town but could not. Tell me what medicine is good for diarrhea, and perhaps I can get it here. I can get medicine of the Doctor, but would rather doctor myself. I have been taking Doctor's powders for 2 or 3 days and my diarrhea is not so bad now as it was. Tell Mrs. McLeod to write out that preparation about the corn for me if she pleases.

 

            One thing which would be a very great convenience in wet weather would be is a gum blanket. When standing guard in wet weather, and sleeping out during rains they are no small protection. If you have any chance to send a small one from Marietta and can get it, don't fail to do it.

 

            I am very anxious to get a letter from home, especially as you were sick when I last heard. I hope that you have recovered long ere this. Give my love to Hiram and Jerusha and please write immediately some of you, on receipt of this. Your son George R. Gear.

 

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Send me some postage stamps of the circulating issue if they are out. It is impossible to get change here. Send a dollars worth or so if you can get them.

 

            I shall send this letter by some discharged soldier I know not whom now.

                                                                                                           

George.

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