I had, and then have to pay a man's way home, that is just from home, and lose a whole dollar. I think it tolerable, though. But I gave to Keeney freely, and would do so again under the same circumstances, if it was in my power, and while I have a cent. Silas can have some just the same as if it was his own. He was out when Hugh left, and I think Hugh should a gave him at least five dollars. I know if I had been going home and only had ten dollars, I would a gave him half of it if I had had to beg my way from Cairo. The further we go, soldiering becomes harder and harder. The duty is very heavy for the men and the very hardest kind of duty. I have not been very well for a few days, and Ser. Sutherland has been acting in my place. The boys got to grumbling three times as much at him as they did at me. So he came to me last night and said he could not act any longer, that I must take my place. So I commanded this morning again. Do not think I am sick. I am not even comfortably sick, for if a fight comes up, I will be considered able for fight. We stand just about one chance in five hundred not to be in the great fight at Corinth. It is so slim, we all expect to have to go into it. We have had no mail for some time. The last letter I got was dated 20th and 21st. I long to hear from you all once more. I have a very poor chance to write. If I had any chance, I would write to Kate, Mary, old Dock, May, Wilson and Mrs. Andrews, Jerusha Cunningham, and to more of yours. But you will have to put up with very little after this. I will still write every day, when possible. How old is Oscar? What does he weigh? Oh, Sarah, if you, Rebecca, Kate, or any of you was to come now with Zetty, I would go right back to the landing with you and stay for a week or two. Wouldn't I be a happy man. My dear Zetty, if I live through this fight, I am going to make a strong effort to go home. Now Zetty, you must remember your Pa, be a good girl, and tell your Ma I do not allow her to whip you. Send my letters to Kate and Mary or write. Tell all I would write if possible. Capt McKee is on picket guard. Laslie is sick. Silas is cook. Your WilliamEnlistment details:
Sutherland, Mathias
©2006 C.S. Parkinson
