Camp Bragg Arks. Oct 8^th 1864

 

My dear Sister

                        I suppose you will be surprised to learn we are at "Camp Bragg" but certainly not more so than we were when we received the order to march to this point. We left Warren on the 2^nd destined for Prairie D'An, and had marched 28 miles from Camden, when we received orders to return to this place, which we reached yesterday. We are in our old place and I anticipated the pleasure of occupying my house which I built last winter and never had the pleasure of living in, but I found it alone of all the houses had been removed and a family were living in it near here. I dont think I will ever build another house while I am in the Army. When we were at Warren, every person supposed we would move on Pine Bluff and all were anticipating hard fighting, but like all other plans which are so frequently arranged by those not in authority, this proved to be a failure. We are now here and no person can even conjecture what will be the next move. Certainly we will not be permitted to remain idle. We have been marching all the time since Genl Magruder has been in Command & I think he will accomplish something if an opportunity is afforded him. Genl Price seems to be carrying every thing before him in Missouri. He is far up in the State. We have received no news from the North lately. Every thing is absorbed in the Political Contest. The chances of Lincoln & McClelland appear to be about equal and it matters little to us which succeeds. I believe the election of either will / close the war. The animosity between the parties is so great and they seem to be so equal that either will oppose the acts of the other and they cannot divided long continue the contest. I should be delighted to be with you now, but that cannot be. the time will soon come however, when I hope I can be permitted a few weeks to visit you. I think of you all every day and wish the war was over that you could be comfortable and pleasantly situated again. For myself I do not care. The army would suit me well enough, had I no one dependent on me. Mrs King was in Camden when I passed through but I suppose she will go to Washington as Charley's command has gone there. Mr Garland has been elected senator to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Dr Mitchell, and will leave for Richmond on the 18^th. I will write by him to our relations there. He will come this way and I will see him, unless we move before that time. I think if we had remained a little longer at Warren that I could have opened a trade with the river and procured many articles which you needed, but our sudden departure deranged all my plans. I intend however to try it again should we ever get quiet long enough.

 

Give my love to the children and tell them I wish very much to see them. It seems a long time since I left Texas. I will come again as soon as possible. I have not worn the shirts yet. I have suffered very much with boils under my arm. For about two weeks I was unable to do anything. I believe I am at last well. Write when you can. Give my love to all.

 

Yr affectionate brother

Jo

SOURCES