St Louis
Benton Barrecks Sept 1^st 62

 

Dear Parents

            I now set down to let you know that I am near the great City of St Louis. In Benton Barrecks. We arrived here last night all safe and sound after considerable of aride. I will give you a small History of our trip. 1^st we struck tents at three oclock on saturday morning got to the depot at seven oclock and got evry thing aboard and started off at eight Oclock. We had a very pleasant ride from Madison to Chicago We had pretty good Passenger cars to ride in. We arrived in chicago about five oclock and marched from one depot to the other / It was pretty tough on us it being the third time that we had our knapsacks on and we had to march about three miles. 2^d we started from Chicago about half past eight Oclock. We laid in chicago about three hours but did not get a chance to get out sight of the cars. we had a good ride from Chicago to Alton From chicago to Alton there is nothing but one string of corn and sugar cane fields. You dont see any wheat oat rye and but very few vegtables We arrived in Alton at five oclock last evening. We then took the boat and went to St Louis. I see that the Mississippi River is not so much of a stream as I thought / it was it is very low and muddy just now but It is about all we have for drinking at for cooking They say as muddy and dirty as it looks to be it is a great deal healthyer than well water. We are now in the great Benton Barrecks that you so often hear a bout. They are the most splendid camp grounds that can be got up. Camp Randall or camp Scott or camp Leigh cant hold a candle to them I cant make any estimate of how much ground they covers But I should think that they cover as much as half of Old Milwaukee They are five or six miles from the leeve /

 

We marched from the leeve to the camp grounds I tell you what it gave us all a sweater. There was a good many that had to fall out of the ranks. But I stood it first rate I was pretty tired when I got up there but I did not feel sick at all. I have not had a chance to down town yet and dont know when I shall. Tell charles that I saw Geo Steever at Alton he was looking first rate. Tell Cha^s he must write often and send me some news & I will send you some southern papers in return

 

It is a bout grub time I must quit

 

Give my love to all

 

            I remain your affectionate son

                                    S. Strong

 

Addres your letters

20 Reg W V Co. G.                                                    Answer soon

Benton Barrecks                                                         Excuse all

            St Louis                                                                       errors

                        Mo

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