In camp near Rolla Monday Aug 26

 

Dear Brother & Sister

                        Your last letter came to hand on last Friday and was read with pleasure and as I have a few moments of leisure time this evening before bed time I thought I would devote them in writing to you as I have to put in every spare moment to keep up my correspondence for between drilling and standing guard my time is nearly all occupied. I suppose you have heard ere this of the Battle at Wilsons Creek We were sent here to reinforce Gen Lyons but were to late as the battle had been fought and all we could do was to cover the retreat of our troops I see by the papers that the north claims it as a great victory but it is a grand mistake 'tis true there was a few more of the Rebels killed than of our men / but we had to retreat so I consider it a defeat. But I feel proud to say that it was not owing to a lack of bravery on the part of our men, but to a lack of numbers and good Officers the only good Officer we had on the field was killed and he was killed in takeing charge of a Reg whose Col was to big a coward and too ignorant to do his duty It makes my blood boil to think that men has to have their lives placed in the hands of such miserable num-skulls But I will change the subject. I suppose the next move that the Rebels will try to make will be the Capitol of the state but there will be a bloody time before they accomplish that as we will be able to bring about 15,000 men against them. To morrow there will be 50 men detailed out of each Reg to erect fortifications and mount our cannon we have four 32 pounders here besides several smaller / pieces. We are encamped in a very pleasant and healthy location. Rolla is a very pleasant tho small town situated at the end of the Pacific R Road (or at least as far as it is finished) about 125 miles west from Saint Louis. The country through which I have passed since leaving Alton is the poorest and meanest I have seen since I came west and the people are just twice as mean. the only good quality that I can see is we have lots of fruit, apples, peaches and pears in abundance. My health as well as the Reg is excellent I never enjoyed better health in my life. we do not average 1 death pr week out of over 4000 men I have just finished reading a letter from Sister Martha she reports all well. she writes that she had just heard that we were all taken prisoners by the Rebels. I judge there will be a good many of us go to our long homes before they accomplish that as we have sworn vengeance upon / them for bringing us to this God forsaken country but I will not boast. Edwin accept my sincere thanks for that favor you sent me as I assure you it was very acceptable under present circumstances. Now Dear Brother & Sister as it is time to put out the lights I must bring my letter to a close. I will write to Owen & Hannah soon and to you at every opportunity Write soon and believe me as ever

                                                           

Your Affect Brother George

 

Direct Saint Louis Mo

 

 

Answered Aug 31/61

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