Sunday 25 May

                                                                                                            One oclock pm.

 

            As the Messenger does not start till Morning. and feeling lonesome from not having anything particular to do – I have sat down to the desk to write.

 

Our Chaplain Preaches in town today. (about a mile from camp.) the Minister with whom he exchanges preaches in our camp at three this afternoon. I must go, as he is said to be a strong Southern Man.  Our Chaplain possesses fine abilities and is both Eloquent and logical.  When he has a Southern Congregation he take particular pains to set this Rebellion before them in its proper light, showing its enormity and folly, so vividly as to make some of these old Secech wish themselves out of range

 

Reports came in last night that two or three of our trains had been captured

and destroyed near Houston Mo by bands of Merauding Rebels.

 

            This may materially effect our supplies. should the rumor prove correct – It may be that our Regt’ will go to Rolla to escort the next train.

 

            The Rebels are concentrating in many parts of the State and Skirmishing has again commenced – Every day reports come of wayside engagements.

 

            Our Boys like the sport and are eager to be sent out scouting. – two of our Companies are now absent scouting.

 

            I forgot today that our supplies of Clothing Boots & Shoes etc are entirely exhausted. I happen to be out of Boots and yesterday spent the day in search of a pair, but without Success.

 

            Clothing of Every discription when to be had, is enormously high.  I found a refuse pair of light calf Boots poor article would sell North for 3 dollars, price here $10.00 – Quarter masters are all out or I could get a first rate article at Regulation price $3.33. Officer’s being permitted to buy clothing & provisions for their own use at cost to Government. without transportation, Citizens can purchase none and enlisted men are supplied by Government.

 

            Our Mail may have been with the Train, if so probably some seceser is perusing my long expected letters from home. Taking it for granted, I think you had better proceed at once to write again as it will be no inconvenience to me whatever, even though I should have to read two instead of one.

 

            Tell Ellen and Joanna to write frequently as I wish to know how they and Bub get along. Give my love to them, Mother and the Children.        

 

                                    As before

                                                A.H.Griswold

PS

            I wrote you from Jacksonport, something about you and Mother going East. For fear you might not get that letter I will state here that should you want any ready money take all you need from that I send home.

SOURCES