Salem Dent County Mo

                                                                                                Sunday March 21 1862

 

My Dear Father.

 

            Today I have a little rest, and take the chance to write.

 

            The prospect now is that we are to leave this Point, sometime next week, permantly. going towards Arkansaw I have sworn to allegiance to the Government nearly all the Male inhabitants of the County.  My reports are near completed.  Shall send them to Genl Halleck before we leave.

 

            After leaving here for Dixie there will be very little prospect for or hope of keeping up communications with U.S. so I cannot promise you letters. I will write again

upon  further particulars concerning our future movements and destination.

 

                                                            As Ever Yours

Love to wife, Mother, Bub and the rest.

                                                                        A.H. Griswold

 

                                                                                    Rolla Mo March 3d 1862

 

I had written and sealed this, but soon after was dispatched by the Major to St Louis to obtain payment for the Troops here before we should leave. On arriving at this place I am informed by Major Bushnell just returned from St Louis that it will be unnecessary to go further as the pay masters will be here to-morrow. I therefore remain here awaiting him. I hope to succeed in having an assistant go and pay us on Wednesday.  When writing the other side I supposed we were to go towards Thomasville, but dispatches rec’d here since my arrival go to show that we are to follow and overtake Curtis’ command now in pursuit of the rebel Gen. Price we

 

We have to go await troops from St Louis to relieve us. which will take some days.

            I shall make another remittance to you if we are paid

                                                Your Son

SOURCES