New Iberia Sept 26 1861

           

Friend Webster

                        Wee have at last arrived at this place after 12 days of the worst traveling I ever experienced from Nibletts Bluff to this place Wee got along verry well the 2 first days after wee got off the boat Got to Lake Charles then wee had 3 days travel through the rain wind and water. Wee had to walk about 85 miles Walked to a river called Mementau (pronounced Mentau) there the Captain pressed 14 carts into service and all hands rode the balance of the way Wee made the trip from Mentau 56 miles in 2 days with oxen and you may know them oxen are about broke down Our men all stood the trip finely only one mutch sick Bob Slip wee left him at Lake Charles his brother with him they will come on by stage so soon as Bob gets able to travel. Wee have a good Company and our Captain is well liked by all the men there never was a better Captain all who voted against him now think that the right man is in the right place 

 

I like this life better than I thought I would But Web its bad enough. Wee had some amusement crossing the praeries in the way of ropeing oxen when a yoke would break down the boys would go out and rope a fresh yoke wee have some good ropers in the company John M^cGheehe Jesse Billingsly and 2 Burtons can rope them evry time

 

I suppose wee will leave here this evening at 4 oclock for New Orleans Will get there tomorrow some time and will probably leave there for Richmond about next monday Our boys are all in good spirits and a good feeling prevails amongst them act like brothers towards each other I hope it may continue so

must close)

 

                        Well, J M, I give my best regards to Harvey M^cLester J M Finney and Chauncy Johnson Tell him Dick Berger is geting along verry well. Jimmie Nicholson sends his best regards. Give mine to Mrs Nicholson and write to me as soon as you receive this to Richmond care of Capt S C Ferrell Texas Ranger Fare well Webb write soon

                                                                                               

J B Cowan

 

[margin]

 

Has Miss Mary D got home yet

SOURCES