Cairo, Illinois
Camp Cairo, Illinois
Cairo, Ill. Sept. 30, 1864
Friend Ira I take the opportunity to fulfill the promise I made to you about writing. It has been and is quite rainy and wet here, and we can't find a great deal to do only write letters and music. You have undoubtedly heard before this where we are, and now I will tell you what we are doing, and that is Post Duty. It is requisite that this place as well as others on the border should be guarded not only from the attacks of guerillas, which are both sides of us, but to keep quiet and peace in the surrounding country, and this 42nd regiment is stationed here for a while at least for that purpose. Some think, we will stay here one year, and others not longer than spring. We have taken the place of the 139th Illinois three months men and they have returned home. Some of our boys are gone all the while up and down the river guarding prisoners, conscripts, deserters and bounty jumpers. William Rider and two or three other boys are on their way to Memphis now, guarding some deserters down, and that Dutchman that worked for Mitchell has just returned from there. His business was guarding prisoners. Stephen Lewis has gone to Louisville on some such duty, and so you can see about what is required of us. The boys like such business first rate.
Our colonel is appointed post commander. Captain Humphrey is appointed inspector general and ordinance officer. Henry Lamb is the colonel's clerk. Walter Lyman is clerk in the commissary's department. Charles Early is commander of the fort, consequently our company is not very largely represented at roll call as Dave is the regimental bass drummer and I am one of the principal musicians.
The health of the regiment is generally good, William Chrisler is in hospital but is well as ever now. Austin Chrisler was left sick in Madison.
The citizens here in Cairo are in for Mac all over. They have McClelland clubs established in every ward and hold their meetings regular every week. I also find that the soldiers will give the boy a larger vote than is expected. Company H stands half and half for old Abe and Little Mac. Now Uncle Ira, I must close by telling you I shall expect an answer next week with all the news and the prices of grain up there. Give my respects to Aunt Lucinda and Elwood and his wife.
From your friend,
Ed