|
Letters of Francis William Kimble
14th Iowa Infantry, Company 'B'
Presented by the Iowa Civil War Site
Letter number fourteen
Columbus, Ky. June the 28th, 1863
Mother I seat myself to answer your letter that I received last evening. I
was truly glad to hear from home and that the family was all well at that
time. This leaves the boys in tolerably good health. Co. B having but 2 men
in the hopital at the present. One of them is burnt up with whisky. It's
thought he won't live but a few days. The other is our fifer. He is not much
sick. I think he will be able for duty in a day or two. Well Mother we did
leave Cairo at last. Mother we left Cairo one week ago yesterday. That was
on Sunday, of course for we never move unless ti's on Sunday. We left Cairo
about 5 o'clock in the evening. We are camped inside of Fort Haleck which
place is situated on a bluff over 200 ft in height. We always get some of the
air if there is any a stirring. I think it will be more healthy here than it
was at Cairo for it was so low there. Mother I don't like our style of living
as well as I did at Cairo for we live in cloth houses now and that don't suit
me as well as living in barracks. Mother we have had very nice weather on
initiation for it has rained every day since we have been at Columbus.It is
raining now but I think it will stop some of these days. There is over 3000
troops at this point.Amongst the rest is the 32th Iowa regt. There is several
hundred negros camped about half a mile from our camp. Mother just across the
river from Columbus is where the bloody battle of Belmont was fought. Well
Mother I haven't had much to do for some time for I broke my drum about 3
weeks ago and have not got another yet but I think I will get one before
long. I ain't in no hurry about getting one. It is the talk that the 14th
Iowa will go back to Cairo but I don't know how true it is. I would be
willing to go back for my part. You spoke about me not sending my coat home.
I started a box of clothes one week ago last Friday and a letter the same
day. I suppose that you have got them before now. Eliza I can' say likeness
without getting a half a down? and that wouldn't pay. I got a letter from
Sarah J. Biddison Saturday morning. I answered it yesterday. I am afraid that
she is a going to fall in love with me. I never wrote to her before
yesterday. Mother, Sed said that you was making a white dress. I want to
know if it is your wedding dress. Tell Dad I believe that he is a "sesh" for
he never says anything in my letters. Well family I guess I wrote all the
news and want you to do the same. I will close so no more but remain your
son. Write soon. Francis W. Kimble to Mary A. Kimlble
Dottie [email protected]
Transcribed and submitted by great great niece
|
Iowa In the Civil War
