Steamer Telegraph

Parkersburg 6 AM Jany 28/62

 

Dear Wife

                        We arrived here yesterday morning all in good condition & no accidents. I found two batteries of Artillery here going by the same railroad so that we have been compelled to wait on the boat until this morning. After breakfast I shall load the cars and expect to start with the regiment sometime during the day. I am making an effort to get our wagons &c here and this may detain us a little longer. The boat will leave for Cinti this morning and I write this note to send by John. Last night I received a despatch from Gen^l Rousseau, / ordering me to go into camp at Newburg which I am told is some six miles beyond Grafton and exactly upon the summit level where the water runs both ways. This will give us probably a dry & cool place for our camp, and a healthy one. Everything looks favorable for the regiment. The men are contented and happy. Last night the whole boat was made cheerful by the songs of the men. The submit with great cheerfulness to remaining on the boat as not a man has been allowed except upon duty.

 

            I send back by John my watch and chain which I wish you to keep for me. I find that it has stopt twice and I do / not care to carry it with me out of order. The trouble is not on the inside of the watch but with the hands on the outside. Be sure and tell this to whoever you give the watch to be repaired. I have commissioned John to buy me a silver watch the same as one purchased by Major Reily. It will cost fourteen dollars, and will answer my purpose very well. Please give him the money for this if the Shillits matter is all right. If not never mind it as I can do without for a time. John will give you all the detail of our trip, and give you his opinion of the men & officers. I am writing by a dim light & do not know whether you can read, but I must write now or not at all / today, as I expect to be driven by business, from the moment I leave the boat until we reach Newburg Virginia. I shall direct everything that comes to Grafton to be forwarded at once. I am almost afraid to hear how you are dear wife, but I hope you have become more composed. Do for my sake take every care of yourself & look upon this parting as only for a season to be followed by a happy meeting. Let me do my duty with cheerfulness.

 

I think you had better go to Louisville as soon as you can comfortably manage matters.

 

            Love to the children & Jane. May God bless & preserve you & them darling wife in the interval between our meetings

                                                                       

Your loving husband

N. C. M^cLean

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