10th Illinois Infantry

Item LTR-6651

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 3 pages written in period ink.


Mound City, IL
Sunday, January 26th 1862

Dear Sister,

I take my pen in hand to write you a few lines. To inform you that we are still at Mound City and I am well.

Last Friday was pay day. We got 26 dollars each. We have good times now. We have no guard lines and are by ourselves. But we are under marching orders and may leave any moment. Mr. H. L. Thompson is here. His son is very sick at the hospital. I will send some money with him if I get to see him before he goes away. Also a package of writing which I want you to keep safe for me. It was got up in a hurry and needs some correction which I have no time to give it. I burned all my letters before starting on our journey to Kentucky. I had nearly all of that last butter which Mother sent me. I put it in my haversack and had butter to use nearly all the way. I also carried a tin cup, plate and spoon the whole way. I made coffee in my tin cup, ate salt pork roasted at the fire and hard bread, and felt no dysentery. I do not think that we will go out again under the same general. But others beside him were to blame. He, however, distinguished himself by searching our camp for a fugitive slave. And is guilty of other little doings and saying unbecoming an officer.

Last Friday, we got a pair of dark blue pants each and expect caps, which will make us look more like soldiers. We have also got tents of our own. We have six to the company. One for each mess. They are large circular. What is called Freemont tents. Have a hole in the top which can be closed up or left open. We can build a fire in the center and lay all around it. Quite comfortable.

John Pace has gone home. He is not able to stand soldiering. He gets rheumatism. I did not have to pay and freight on that box.

I suppose you know that W. J. Signor went home. He went without leave and the Colonel refused to allow the Captain draw his wages. He will be treated as a deserter. I do not think that the Peoria cavalry will amount to much.

The weather is quite fine here. It reminds me of spring.

The 36th Regiment is at Rollo, Missouri. The 7th Iowa is at Baird’s Point. I have not seen any of them. I have not much to write. So good bye.

B. F. Mundorff