Pittsburg Landing, April 15, 1862It is not necessary for me to say I was overjoyed to see two letter from you, one from Hugh and one from Kate. Hugh got one from John, Silas from Reb and Lee. It is about the only real joy we have is in reading good letters from dear friends. You ask several questions. I cannot recollect them all. I burn all my letters as soon as I read them. I let Hugh and Silas read most of my letters except yours. I wish you would send me my watch, as I was rather attached to it, but now I do not care as the one I have has been through the wars. I could a sent this one back by Dr. Rainey. It was not my watch, but Leander gave it to me, and if I do not get home, I give it to Oscar. Keep it for him. Tell James I have his silver watch. I have Ft. Donelson time. It has not stopped or changed since. I suppose the fight is getting old to you, so I need not tell you anything about it. I was very glad to see Dr. Rainey walking towards our tent, the others running. I met him some distance from our quarters. Mr. Fletcher has also been with us a few days. It almost seems like old times to hear him talk about you all. I guess I have asked him ten thousand questions. He is very familiar, plain, and only tolerably well posted, and I would say not overly sharp, but I am really glad some one had the courage at Centralia to venture beyond Cairo. But Sarah and Rebecca, this would a been rather a hard place for you, it is awful muddy. If ever you would start towards Cairo, leave Oscar. We may leave here any day. We may stay here. If you all stay till I say come, I rather think you
©2006 C.S. Parkinson
