Fort Henry

                                                                                                            Tenn. Feb 12^th/62

 

Dear Bessie

                        We have just received orders to march in two hours and amid the confusion consequent upon such an order, I am sitting on a stump with a chip for a writing desk scribbling a few lines to my Dear wife. I went and saw Hamilton yesterday and all the R—boys Lu. Day and Brad Flint are looking well ^aN. is as hearty as a buck and full of enthusiasm Cap^t. Sealy was glad to see Frank. his health is not very good. I’ve not seen Nevins since he called upon me. Major Smith was sick/ lying asleep in his tent and I did not awake him. I expect this expedition goes to Fort Donaldson seventeen mudy miles from here on the cumberland river. we leave Everything here but food and blankets. we will not go far for we only take two days rations. we have here now about thirty thousand men and still coming. Davis is looking well but is complaining some Do not believe anything you hear unless it is well authenticated. we regret the absence of our Col. who is expected on every boat. I will write again as soon as I return with ever so much love and kisses

                                                Your Frank

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