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Letters of Francis William Kimble
14th Iowa Infantry, Company 'B'
Presented by the Iowa Civil War Site
Letter number twenty-seven
On Board Steamer Fanny Below Helany, Ark. Jan. 26, 1864
Well Mother and Sisters, Today finds myself hearty and injoying myself as
best I can under the present circumstance. Well Mother we left our old camp
at Columbus, Ky the 21st and went on board of the steamer, Fanny. This was at
11:00 that we went aboard the boat. We lay at Columbus till 2:00 the next day
when the old 14th bid adieu to our long resting place. It appeared almost
like leaving home for we had been there so long. The 14th had been at
Columbus just 7 months to the day when we left our camp. Eliza it was rather
hard for F.W. to have to leave for my gal weeped very fearfully when F. W.
left. However, I think the dame will get over it yet. Mother we just passed
Helana. We landed a few moments. We could see where the battle of Helana,
Kansas that was fought on or about the 4th day of July last. Well Mother I
did not get to see John. I sent him word to come and see me, but I guess that
he didn't get word in time. I run the blockade last night and went to the
theatre. We got our pay yesterday afternoon. I have expressed $50. I done it
last night. I sent the box the 20th. I didn't pay the charges on it for it
was so crowded that the clerk hadn't time to weigh it. Mother that coat I
sent is to make Jimmy something out of it. You can make him a warmace? out
of the blouse. Eliza I get along very well so far on the boat. The band
sleeps in the cabin. We have slept in it ever since we been on board. Eliza
the boys has a good joke on me. One of the band told some of the rest that I
got married the Sunday before we left Columbus. Some of the boys thinks that
it is so. The knight before we left Columbus I went & took supper with my
little woman. I had a very good time at Columbus. Mother I expect that you
would like to know our destination but I am not prepared to tell you that. I
guess we will get to Vicksburg tomorrow knight. The boys appears to be in
good spirits. they don't appear to hate the trip. Mother it is warm enough
today to make garden. It was so warm in Memphis that it made me sweat to walk
around town.Mother I heard last night that Sarah had come to see John but I
hadn't time to go and see if it was true. I come very near of getting left in
Memphis. I got to the boat just as it was pushing off. I am very well
satisfied with soldiering as far as I have tried it. John Hush is dead. He
died in New Orleans. John Bunn has enlisted in the Veterans. He must be
crazy. Direct via Cairo, IL. Good day to all. Frank W. Kimble
Transcribed and submitted by great great niece
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Iowa In the Civil War
