Forsyth Mo Apr 20 /62

                                                                                                                                    

Dear Friend

                        today is—Sunday & I thought I would write you a few lines to let you a few lines know I am well. we are situated on White River 20 miles from Arkansas line our Cavalry took 5 boats from the Cesesh yesterday. we do not know where Prices troops are now for he keeps out of our way. we expect to be home by the fourth of July if we can whip the damd Rebels out the black hearted devils will not fight us in the open field I will risk my / Skin for a few shots at those sneeking cusses Our Reg^t & the 25^th Ill are left here to guard this post. I hope in afew months to hear of all Southern institutions to be swept to hell or some other hot place. Lewis Christian is here and quite well. all the Rockton boys are well. but we almost starved we have been without bread for 3 days & eat nothing but beef I have been sick 3 or 4 weeks since I see you but I am better now. there is but one mudhole in Missouri & that extends all over the State tell John Shibley I will write to him when I have any news to write about. we could fight like hell if we / had a chance for we are so damned hungry. we would like what you throw away & be thankful for it. now Hunt you must write me a long letter & soon & tell me all about the girls in Rockton & up the River. if you will Send me a few postage Stamps, I will make it all right with you for we cannot get any here. I can get 10 cts a piece for them in this God forsaken State—for they are not to be had I will again write to you again soon goodbye

 

                                                                                                            yours truly

                                                                                                Your Friend

                                                                                                            Charley Coon

 

[top margin]

Direct to Springfield Mo

44^th Regt Ill Vol

Co. G.

 

[overleaf]

R. H. Bligh

Rockton

Illinois

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