Camp Parke Ky Sept. 1. 1863.

 

My dear father.

                        To morrow morning we are to start for Crab Orchard if nothing happens to prevent so I thought I had better write a few lines as it may be some days before I will have as good an opportunity. It will be going over old ground until we reach Lancaster where the Crab Orchard road branches off. Lancaster is about 12 miles from C. O. I received mother's letter of the 18 25^th yesterday. it is the first since yours of the 18^th. The box has not yet come to hand but I have written to Cincinnati to have it sent on, if it has reached there so that I am in hopes of getting it yet before we get entirely out of reach. Military affairs have been very quiet for the last week or two but the prospect is good I think. I am not disappointed at the delay at Charleston for I suppose it is as well or better fortified as Vicksburg and I do not think we had any right to look for an immediate result there.

 

            I received a short letter from Sam Garrigne to day: he seems to be enjoying himself and I guess is doing very well but I judge that he is not yet fit to return to duty. If he gets an extension he will probably go to Phila. and give you all an opportunity of seeing / him. Alf Meyers seens to be quite well again. In answer to Mr Whitney's question, I did not see a car or car wheel all the time I was in Mississippi, but I suppose there were some Whitneys among that lot captured at Granada. The weather has moderated considerably but is not too warm for comfort. it is just about right. I believe I have acknowledged the receipt of the $10#. I saw a Spy to-day with the notice of Gen'l. Welsh's death & Sam. Wright's letter in it. Capt. Wright is now Adjt. Genl. in the Staff of the officer commanding the Corps but I do not know whether it is to be permanent or not. The other clerk in this office has got a furlough and is going home in a few days so that I shall have the principal part of the business to attend to, but I intend to ask to be relieved as soon as convenient to the Capt. as I want to go back to the Regiment. Gen'l Ferrero seems to be a very pleasant sort of a man but he is putting on considerable more style than Gen'l. W. did. I hear that he was formerly dancing master at West Point, but I do not know if it is true or not. Do you know anything of the circumstances in which Gen. Welsh left his family? It seems strange to me that they could not get a military escort to attend his funeral. I am well. Your affectionate Son

                                                           

Matthew A Cowden

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