Bird’s Point, Mo

                                                                                                            Feby 13^th 1862

 

Dear Sallie

                        Your letter of the 10^th the first and only one I have received since we came here was received this afternoon and I will answer without delay. It was the best written letter I ever saw from your pen. You write well.

 

            There is nothing going on here more than when I last wrote—we are still here and will in all probability remain here for several days yet and perhaps weeks. You probably have heard more of the Ft. Henry affair and the advance movement in Kentucky than I could write you. Troops continue to arrive at Cairo nearly every day and from there are forwarded up the Ohio and then to Ft. Henry and vicinity. There is no signs of an advance upon Columbus yet, but it will soon be surrounded on all sides by the forces in Kentucky and as soon as Ft. Donelson and one or two other places are taken there will undoubtedly be an advance against that place unless there should be serious reverses to our arms within the next few days of which I see no probability.

 

            The principal fighting that will be done there will be done by the Gun Boats until Columbus is reduced. If the rebels retreat from there as they did at Ft. Henry then the infantry which will have surrounded them will be brought into action and Secesh will have to fight or surrender. They will be shelled out of Columbus though in my opinion without the infantry or any of the land forces firing a gun. The Mortar fleet in addition to the gun boats is of the most formidable character. Each Mortar boat carries one of these mortars which is of huge dimensions. These mortars will weigh about 17150 seventeen thousand one hundred and fifty pounds and throw a 13” shell with accuracy the distance of two to three miles. Then the gun boats carry from 10 to 14 guns and are cannon shot proof which was sufficiently tested in the bombardment of Ft. Henry. They are a complete success.

 

            The weather here for the last few days has been quite warm and pleasant. The sun has shone bright and warm and the mud almost completely dried up. The principle order of the day this week has been drill.

 

            We drill now twice a day, in the forenoon by Company and in the afternoon by Regiment or what is termed “Battalion Drill”. This afternoon however the weather turned several degrees colder and we were visited with a storm of “Sorter” a half rain half snow.

 

            Noah received a letter today from Irene[?] which he is answering. Today almost all the boys received letters and have nearly all of them been writing. There is now four besides myself engaged in remembering the friends at home by letter and others of the mess have just finished.

 

            I will write to Sister Carrie to morrow sure. Sallie I hope you will not shut yourself up hermitlike but at least occasionly visit your friends. With ladies this is usually not necessary to mention this but with you I think different for I heard complaints on that score when I was up there. You need not run about all the time but there are those there whom you should visit at least occasionly. But do as you think best.

 

            There is nothing of importance going on here at present. Should there be any change in our station I will not fail to let you know where we go to as soon as possible. However my P.O. address will remain unchanged.

 

            Remember me to all friends and acquaintances. I will fulfill all promises made to write in time. Will write to Mrs. C. also in the course of a few days.

 

            The health of the Company is tolerably good, though there is several sick in quarters though not bad enough to go to the Hospital.

 

            Write soon and believe me ever fondly and affectionately

                                                                                                            Frank

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