Steamer N. W. Thomas

April 19^th 1862

 

            My dear Nellie

                                    We have at last got away from Cairo, after the severest trial of patience I have experienced in the service. Very different indeed from the happy days when you were here with me. the contrast made me feel more gloomy. I looked once at the window where we stood and looked out on the town, the bright Sunday you were in Cairo Nellie I am quite tired but my bed on the cabin floor (I gave my room up to a sick man) amidst noise and confusion dont promise much rest so I will ocupy part of the night writing letters to my dear friends and relatives I may not have another opportunity soon I will write one first to my wife, nearest and dearest of all. I wrote Ed a short letter in answer to a welcome one received. I expected to leave immediately but I had another tour of duty hunting up straglers, hurrying aboard / stores &c. but thank God I am quite well and able for any duty that will tend to a speedy termination of this war that I may return home

 

            “Where polished friends and dear relations mingle in Eternal bliss.”

 

Nellie I have forgotten the rest of our poetry please remind me of it in your next.

 

I am hapy to inform you that the late difficulty in the 16^th has entirely subsided the enemies of Col Smith having signally failed in their disgns. I was only affected by it so far as interested in the welfare of my friends I have always been on the best of terms with all the Officers of our Regt with the exception of M^cAllister of course a professional jealousy existed but did interfere with our social relations as for M^cAlister I have always avoided him since I became acquainted with his character but he is not present so I will say no more about him. The late afair of my arest was a perfect farce and although I believe that certain Officers were interested in attempting to tie my hands while Col S. was being opperated / against the stoutly deny it as also does Watson he and I are now better friends than ever before Although I did use part of the disrespectful language charged I was justified by his palpable neglect of duty to my men. And he was more anxious to drop the matter than I was. After reflection I concluded that the easiest way is always the best of settling difficulties and I never retain spite so the whole affair as far as I am concerned has almost been forgotten.

 

Dear Nellie I am quite tired of steamboating it is harder than marching on the men and I will be happy when I again get on dry land with my men. I can take no care of them here and quite a number are unwell the weather has been very unpleasant raining almost constantly since we left Ft Pillow. We will arive at Pittsburg probably tomorrow night and if our Army suceed (which of course we will) in defeating Beauregard at Corrinth I have strong hopes that I will get to Kiss my wife soon

 

I send love to all—Affectionately Yr husband

                                                            J B Cahill

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